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[ 2 ]
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
LOVE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
"Just as the Decalogue constitutes a sum-
mary of the Scriptures, so Love is the law
of God abridged to a single word. Love to
God, when written out in positive and nega-
tive commands, produces the first table of
the moral law, and love to man, the second
table which regulates man's duties and re-
sponsibilities to his fellow men. And on
these two exhibitions of love 'hang all the
law and the prophets,' or the entire Bible.
"What could therefore be more basic than
a consideration of the binding claims of
love? It is the foundation principle upon
which securely rests the government of
heaven, which all the cunning efforts of the
great deceiver have been unable to shake.
In it rests inviolate the free moral agency
which guarantees in all intelligent creatures
the power of choice so that when the present
contest between good and evil is ended, 'af-
fliction shall not rise up the second time.' "
—Taylor G. Bunch,
Love,
pages 7, 8.
ACKNOW LEDGMENT
Grateful acknowledgment is made of the TRANSLATION, by James Moffatt. Copy-
permission granted by Harper and Brothers right 1922, 1935, 1950.
to quote from THE BIBLE: A NEW
Lesson 1, for April 3, 1954
The Way of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone
that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not
God; for God is love." 1 John 4:7, 8.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 70-76, 311-319
;
"Christ's Object
Lessons," pp. 260-267, 327, 328 (new ed., pp. 329, 330); Taylor G. Bunch,
"Love," pages 9-13.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
line, survey entire lesson.
2.
General Introduction: Key Words;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
4.
Ques. 8-10.
5.
Ques. 11-14.
6.
Read from Study Helps assignment.
7.
Read further from Study Helps as-
signment and review entire lesson.
[3
]
Lesson Outline:
I. Covetousness Condemned and Com-
mended
1.
Prohibition of tenth commandment.
Ex. 20:17; Rom. 7:7.
2.
Evil companions of covetousness.
Eph. 5:3-5.
3.
Commendable objects of covetous-
ness. 1 Cor. 12:31.
II. Gifts of the Spirit
1.
Desirability of spiritual gifts. 1 Cor.
14:1.
2.
Bestowal of spiritual gifts. Eph.
4:8, 11-15.
3.
Purpose and extent of spiritual gifts.
1 Cor. 1:6-8; Rev. 12:17.
4.
Diversity of gifts and manifesta-
tions. 1 Cor. 12:1, 4, 7-12, 14-25.
Ill. The Excellence of Love
1.
The "more excellent way." 1 Cor.
12:31; 13.
2.
The pre-eminent fruit. Gal. 5:22;
Rom. 5:5.
3.
Source ()Clove. 1 John 4:7, 8, 16.
IV. Waning Love in Last Days
1.
Abounding iniquity. Matt. 24:9-12.
2.
Cause of perilous times. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
3.
Distress, perplexity, fear. Luke 21:
25-27.
4.
Love an antidote of fear. 1 John
4:17, 18.
Key Words and Phrases:
1.
Covetousness:
From a Latin word
meaning "to desire," usually used in deroga-
tory sense, as unlawful craving for that
which belongs to another, although it may
be used in a good sense.
One Greek word for covet, a form of which
is used in Romans 7:7, is
epithumeo,
"to fix
the mind upon." Another, used in 1 Corin-
thians 12:31 and 14:39, is
zeloO,
"to be zeal-,
ous for."
2.
Spiritual gifts.
The gifts of the Spirit
are divine bestowals of grace and credentials
for specific types of ministry. The word
gift
in this sense in the original Greek is
charisma,
meaning "grace" or "favor."
3.
Fruit of the Spirit.
The fruits of the
Spirit are qualities of character resulting
from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
THE LESSON
Covetousness Condemned and
Commended
1.
What
is forbidden in the tenth
commandment? How much is in-
cluded in this commandment? Exodus
20:17; Rom. 7:7.
NoTE.-"The tenth commandment strikes
at the very root of all sins, prohibiting the
selfish desire, from which springs the sinful
act. He who in obedience to God's law re-
frains from indulging even, a sinful desire for
that which belongs to another, will not be
guilty of an act of wrong toward his fellow
creatures."-Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page
309.
2.
With what catalogue of ugly sins
is covetousness associated? Of what
great sin is the covetous person guilty,
and what will be his punishment?
Eph. 5:3-5.
NoTE.-This kind of covetousness is a
selfish and inordinate desire to possess by
any means what belongs to another, even
though it be unjust and unlawful. It is the
sin that gives birth to stealing. In
Gospel
Workers,
page 114, we are told that "self-
idolatry ... lies at the foundation of all sin,"
and in
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 339,
that "the spirit of selfishness is the spirit of
Satan. The principle illustrated in the lives
of worldlings is to get, get. Thus they hope
to secure happiness and ease, but the fruit
of their sowing is misery and death."
3.
What are Christians urged to do,
with the evident approval and bless-
ing of heaven? 1 Cor. 12:31.
[4
1
'SELF-IDOLATRY...LIES AT THE
FOUNDATION OF ALL SIN."
NoTE.—It is both proper and praise-
worthy for us to covet moral, spiritual, and
intellectual things, for in our attaining them,
others are not dispossessed of them.
"While we look not at things seen, ,but
things unseen: for things seen are temporary,
but things unseen are eternal." 2 Cor. 4:18,
Weymouth, 3d ed. The most valuable things
of life are invisible to the natural vision, but
they are of far greater value and permanence
than those which are material and visible.
How true this is of hope, wisdom, knowl-
edge, righteousness, character, and the nine
fruits of the Spirit enumerated in Galatians
5:22, 23. These are all possessed by Christ
to the full, but when we desire to be, and be-
come partakers of His character, His virtues
are not decreased. By "seeing Him who is in-
visible," Moses was able to refuse the visible
and material "pleasures of sin" and "treas-
ures in Egypt." Heb. 11:25-27. His vision
of Christ gave him a true sense of values.
Gifts of the Spirit
4.
What should Christians follow
after and desire; and especially which
one of the "gifts"? 1 Cor. 14:1.
5.
When and by whom were the
spiritual gifts bestowed, and what are
some of the most important to the
church? Eph. 4:8, 11-15.
6.
What is their purpose, and he,
long will they continue to fulfill their
mission? 1 Cor. 1:6-8; Rev. 12:17.
7.
How diversified are these gifts,
and how is their relative importance
emphasized and illustrated? 1 Cor.
12:1, 4, 7-12, 14-25.
The Excellence of Love
8.
After urging Christians to desire
earnestly the best gifts of the Spirit,
what did the apostle promise to re-
veal? What is the "more excellent
way" which is even more desirable
and valuable than spiritual gifts?
1 Cor. 12:31; 13.
NOTE.
"And yet I will go on to show you
a still higher path." (Moffatt.) "And now I
will point out to you a way of life which
transcends all others." (Weymouth.) This
supremely excellent and incomparable way
of life is the way of love as set forth in
chapter 13. Divine love is the very center
and soul of Christianity.
"The love of Christ is so broad, so full of
glory, that in comparison to it, everything
that men esteem as great, dwindles into
insignificance."—Fundamentals
of Christian
Education,
page 179.
"Love, the basis of creation and of re-
demption, is the basis of true education. . . .
To love Him, the Infinite, the Omniscient
One, with the whole strength and mind and
heart, means the highest development of
every power. It means that in the whole
being—the body, the mind, as well as the
soul—the image of God is to be restored."—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
page 32.
9.
What does Paul list first in the
manifestation of the fruits of the
Spirit? What makes it possible for
love to control the life? Gal. 5:22, 23;
Rom. 5:5, last part.
[5]
NorE.—"Righteousness is love, and love
is the light and the life of God. The right-
eousness of God is embodied in Christ. We
receive righteousness by receiving Him. Not
by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not
by gift or sacrifice, is righteousness obtained;
but it is freely given to every soul who hun-
gers and thirsts to receive
it."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
page 34.
"You must
be
good before you can
do
good. You cannot exert an influence that
will transform others until your own heart
has been humbled and refined and made
tender by the grace of Christ. When this
change has been wrought in you, it will be
as natural for you to live to bless others as
it is for the rosebush to yield its fragrant
bloom, or the vine its purple clusters."—
p. 183.
10.
Where does love come from?
How does love help us to know God?
1 John 4:7, 8, 16.
NoTE.—"God is love; God is, in Himself,
in His essence,
love."—Testimonies to Min-
isters,
page 265.
"Only like can appreciate like. Unless you
accept in your own life the principle of self-
sacrificing love, which is the principle of
His character, you cannot know God."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pages
42, 43.
Waning Love in Last Days
11.
Because of the prevailing con-
dition before His second coming, what
did Christ say many would lose? Matt.
24:9-12.
12.
Which sin is listed first of the
nineteen that will prevail in the last
days? 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
NoTE.—"No one can live the law of God
without ministering to others. But there are
many who do not live out Christ's merciful,
unselfish life. Some who think themselves
excellent Christians do not understand what
constitutes service for God. They plan and
study to please themselves. They act only in
reference to self. Time is of value to them
only as they can gather for themselves. In
all the affairs of life this is their object. Not
for others but for themselves do they min-
ister. God created them to live in a world
where unselfish service must be performed.
He designed them to help their fellow men
in every possible way. But self is so large
that they cannot see anything else. They are
not in touch with humanity. Those who
thus live for self are like the fig tree, which
made every pretension, but was fruitless.
They observe the forms of worship, but
without repentance or faith."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 584.
13.
What conditions did Jesus say
would exist among the nations in the
last days? How would the uncertainty
of coming events affect individuals?
Luke 21:25-27.
14.
What will give assurance in the
day of judgment? What is the effect
of fear, and what is an effective rem-
edy? 1 John 4:17, 18.
NOTE.—In
the light of these scriptures it
is evident that love will be given prominent
place in God's last message to the world.
"The last rays of merciful light, the last mes-
sage of mercy to be given to the world, is
the revelation of His character of love."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 415.
Every member of the remnant people of
God should therefore pray daily: "Lord,
take my heart ; for I cannot give it.... Keep
it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save
me in spite of myself, my weak, un-Christ-
like self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into
a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich
current of Thy love can flow through my
soul."—Ibid.,
p. 159.
DAILY
STUDY OF THE SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON STRENGTHENS SPIRITUALITY.
[6]
Lesson 2, for April 10, 1954
The Power of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His
life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 1 John 3:16.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," pages 10-18; Taylor G. Bunch, "Love," pages 21-28.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
4. Ques. 7-9.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 10-12.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1, 2.
6. Read Study Helps assignthent.
3.
Ques. 3-6.
7. Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Love in Action
1.
God's love gift. John 3:16.
2.
Loe's constraining power. 2 Cor.
5:14.
3.
Loving ministry. Luke 7:36-48.
II. The Love That Begets Love
1.
Supreme manifestation of love.
1 John 4:9, 10.
2.
Love perfected. 1 John 4:11-13.
3.
Source of love. 1 John 4:16, 19.
III. The Children of God Manifested
1.
Love one another. 1 John 4:20, 21.
2.
Evidence of Christian experience.
1 John 3:14, 15.
3.
The sons of God. 1 John 3:1-3.
IV. Waning Love Reproved
1.
Departure from first love. Rev.
2:1-5.
2.
Lukewarm condition. Rev.
3:14-17.
3.
The remedy. Rev. 3:18-22.
Key Words:
1.
Constraineth
comes from the Latin
stringere,
"to draw tight." The English verb
constrain
means "to compel or force, to se-
cure by bonds." The original Greek word is
sunechd,
"to hold together."
2.
Perfected,
from the Latin
facere,
"to
make," the same root as in factory; and the
Latin
per,
meaning "through." The Greek
word
teleioii
means "to end or complete."
Hence our derived meaning of "to make
perfect."
3.
Manifest,
from the Latin
manifestus,
"caught or apprehended," "seized by the
hand," hence that which is palpable, evident
to the senses. The Greek word used in
1 John 4:9 is a form of
phaneros,
meaning
"apparent."
4.
Laodicea.
A city in Asia Minor named
by Antiochus II after his wife. One of the
seven churches used as a synonym for spirit-
ual apathy.
"The term 'lukewarm' is applicable to this
class. They profess to love the truth, yet are
deficient in Christian fervor and devotion.
. . . The True Witness hates this.lukewarm-
ness."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 87.
THE LESSON
Love in Action
1. How is the motivating power of
love set forth? John 3:16.
NOTE.
-"The
love of Christ is so broad, so
full of glory, that in comparison to it, every-
thing that men esteem as great, dwindles into
insignificance. When we obtain a view of it,
[
7l
CONSTRAINS SINNERS.
we exclaim, 0 the depth of the riches of the
love that God bestowed upon men in the gift
of His only-begotten Son
!"—Fundamentals
of Christian Education,
page 179.
"The glory shining in the face of Jesus is
the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light
from Calvary it will be seen that the law of
self-renouncing love is the law of life for
earth and heaven ; that the love which 'seek-
eth not her own' has its source in the heart
of God; and that in the meek and lowly One
is manifested the character of Him who
dwelleth in the light which no man can ap-
proach unto."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 20.
"Christ's most favorite theme was the
paternal character and abundant love of
God."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 192.
2. What inspired the unparalleled
success of the early church? 2 Cor.
5:14.
NOTE.—"Constrain"
has both a positive
and a negative meaning—to push forward
and to hold back, to impel to do right and
to restrain from doing wrong. It not only
presses a person into service and holds him
'to his task, but it also keeps him within the
narrow and restricted bounds of rectitude
and self-discipline until the mission is ac-
complished.
"Christian workers who succeed in their
efforts, must know Christ; and in order to
know Him, they must know His love. In
heaven their fitness as workers is measured
by their ability to love as. Christ loved and
to work as He worked. . . . It is the atmos-
phere of this love surrounding the soul of
the believer that makes him a savor of life
unto, life, and enables God to bless his work.
Supreme love for God and unselfish love for
one another,—this is the best gift that our
heavenly Father can bestow. This love is not
an impulse, but a divine principle, a perma-
nent power... . In the heart renewed by di-
vine grace, love is the ruling principle of
action. It modifies the character, governs
the impulses, controls the passions, and en-
nobles the affections. This love, cherished in
the soul, sweetens the life, and sheds a re-
fining influence on all around. . . . This
redeeming power, filling the heart, would
control every other motive, and raise its pos-
sessors above the corrupting influences of the
world."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
551, 552.
3.
What happened as Jesus was din-
ing at the home of a Pharisee? What
reproof did He give His host for his
critical attitude? On what basis did
Jesus explain the contrasting conduct
of Mary and Simon? Luke 7:36-48.
The Love That Begets Love
4.
What supreme manifestation of
love is set forth by the apostle John?
1 John 4:9, 10.
5.
How is God's love perfected in
us? Through what agency is this
fellowship made possible? 1 John
4:11-13.
NOTE.—"God is the embodiment of be-
nevolence, mercy, and love. Those who are
truly connected with Him cannot be at
variance with one another. His Spirit ruling
in the heart will create harmony, love, and
unity."—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students,
page 90.
"Christ came to the earth and stood before
the children of men with the hoarded love
of eternity, and this is the treasure that,
through our connection with Him, we are to
[8]
receive, to reveal, and to impart. . . . We
are to be distinguished from the world be-
cause God has placed His seal upon us,
because He manifests in us His own charac-
ter and love. Our Redeemer covers us with
His righteousness."—The
Ministry of Heal-
ing,
page 37.
6.
What is the source of love?
1 John 4:16, 19.
The Children of God Manifested .
7.
What is said of the person who
boasts of his love for God when he
does not love his fellow men? What
command is therefore given? 1 John
4:20, 21.
8.
What is the evidence of deliver-
ance from the sentence of eternal
death? To what terrible sin is hatred
related? 1 John 3:14, 15.
9.
In what other way is the love of
God manifested? When does this fam-
ily relationship begin? Of what may
we be assured? 1 John 3:1-3.
NoTE.—"When we seek for appropriate
language in which to describe the love of
God, we find words too tame, too weak, too
far beneath the theme, and we lay down our
pen and say, 'No, it cannot be described.'
We can only do as did the beloved disciple,
and say, 'Behold, what manner of love the
Father hath bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the sons of God.' In at-
tempting any description of this love, we
feel that we are as infants lisping their first
words. Silently we may adore; for silence
in this matter is the only eloquence. This
love is past all language to describe. It is the
mystery of God in the flesh, God in Christ,
and divinity in
humanity."—Fundamentals
of Christian Education,
pages 179, 180.
Waning Love Reproved
10.
What serious charge and admo-
nition did Christ bring to the church
at. Ephesus? Rev. 2:1-5.
NoTE.—"Yet I have this against you—
that you no longer love Me as you did at
first. Be mindful, therefore, of the height
from which you have fallen. Repent at once,
and act as you did at first, or else I will
surely come and remove your lampstand
out of its place—unless you repent." (Wey-
mouth.)
"Christ ascended to heaven and sent His
Holy Spirit to give power to the work of
His disciples. Thousands were converted in
a day. In a single generation the gospel was
carried to every nation under heaven. But
little by little a change came. The church lost
her first love. She became selfish and ease-
loving. The 'spirit of worldliness was cher-
ished. . . . Is not the same thing repeated in
this
generation?"—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 26.
"The messages to the church .of Ephesus
and to the church in Sardis have been often
repeated to me by the One who gives me
instruction for His people.... We are seeing
the fulfillment of these warnings. Never
have scriptures been more strictly fulfilled
than these have been. . . . Let us read and
study those portions of God's word that
have special reference to these last days,
pointing out the dangers that will threaten
God's people."—Ibid., pp. 98-100.
11.
For what does Christ rebuke the
Laodiceans? Of what do they boast,
and what is their true spiritual state?
Rev. 3:14-17.
NorE.—After the great disappointment of
1844 the Sabbathkeeping Adventists believed
that the Philadelphian church was typical of
those who had ardently looked for the sec-
ond advent at the end of the 2300 prophetic
years of Daniel 8:14. For about twelve years
they believed and taught that the message
to the Laodicean church was addressed only
to those Adventists who had failed to walk
in the advancing light of the sanctuary and
the Sabbath truths. In the latter part of
1856 it began to be taught through the
Re-
[9]
view and Herald
that the remnant church
had itself become lukewarm and should heed
the appeal to buy the "gold tried in the fire,"
and the "white raiment." They must anoint
their eyes with "the eyesalve." Soon this
solemn message was being sounded by most
of the ministry, but some were not con-
vinced, and then it was that Mrs. White
wrote with positive assurance:
"I was shown that the testimony to the
Laodiceans applies to God's people at the
present time. . . . It is designed to arouse
the people of God, to discover to them their
backslidings, and to lead to zealous repent-
ance."—Testimonies, vol. 1,
p. 186.
But the Laodicean message is not limited
to Seventh-day Adventists, nor addressed
solely to them. "The warning for the last
church also must be proclaimed to all who
claim to be Christians. The Laodicean mes-
sage, like a sharp, two-edged sword, must
go to all the churches. . . . Are we putting
forth every effort that the churches may be
warned
?"—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 77.
12. What counsel and appeal pro-
vide a complete remedy? Rev. 3:18-22.
NoTE.—"Again and again has the voice
from heaven addressed you. Will you obey
this voice? Will you heed the counsel of the
True Witness to seek the gold tried in the
fire, the white raiment, and the eyesalve?
The gold is faith and love, the white raiment
is the righteousness of Christ, the eyesalve is
that spiritual discernment which will enable
you to see the wiles of Satan and shun them,
to detect sin and abhor it, to see truth and
obey
it."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 233.
In
Early Writings,
pages 270, 271, we
are told that the Laodicean message is "the
solemn testimony upon which the destiny
of the church hangs," because its rejection
produces the "shaking" and its acceptance
brings "the latter rain, the refreshing from
the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the
third angel."
Lesson 3, for April 17, 1954
The Law of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law." Rom. 13:8.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 497-505; "Love," pages 14-20.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
4. Ques. 7-9.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 10-12.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1-3.
6. Read Study Helps assignment.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
7. Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Love the Basis of Obedience
1.
Acceptable obedience. John
14:15,
21-24.
2.
Evidence of love. 1 John
5:2,
3.
3.
Love perfected. 1 John 2:3-5.
II. The Life of Love
1.
Walk of love. 1 John 2:6; Eph.
5:1, 2, 8, 9, 15.
2.
Profession not enough. Matt. 7:21-
27.
3.
Abounding love. 1 Thess. 3:12, 13.
[ 10 ]
Ill. Love, the Summary of Law
1.
Jesus' summary of the law. Matt.
22:36-40.
2.
The fulfilling of the law. Rom. 13:8-
10.
3.
Thy neighbor as thyself. Gal. 5:14.
IV. Law in the Heart
1.
In the heart of Christ. Ps. 40:7, 8.
2.
The new-covenant provision. Jer.
31:31-34; Heb. 8:6-12.
3.
Living epistles. 2 Cor. 3:3, 17, 18.
Key Words and Phrases:
1. Commandment,
from the Latin
man-
dare.
Compare "mandate," an authoritative
directive. The Greek word used in John 14
and 1 John 2 and 5 is
entole,
"Thing given
in charge."
2.
Walk in Love.
The Greek word here
translated "walk" is a form of
peripate5,
and means "to walk around or about." To
walk in love constitutes a manner of life.
"To walk in love signifieth not one act or
two, but the perpetual tenor of our lives."—
Joseph S. Exell, in the
Biblical Illustrator.
3.
Fulfill
is best understood by a transpo-
sition "fill full." It does not signify abolition
as some hold, as when Christ said, as re-
corded in Matthew 5:17, that He had come
to fulfill the law. Here, as in Romans 13:8,
"fulfill" is from the Greek word
pleroo,
"to
fill, make full." Love does not abrogate the
law, but lives it to the full.
4.
Epistle
is from the common Greek
word
epistole,
meaning "a written communi-
cation, a letter." Christians are to be an
open letter to the world with the message of
love inscribed by the Holy Spirit in their
hearts.
THE LESSON
Love the Basis of True Obedience
1.
What makes obedience accept-
able to Christ? What love and fellow-
ship are promised in return for the
obedience of love? John 14:15, 21-24.
NOTE.—"If ye love Me, ye will keep My
commandments," is the American Standard
Version of verse 15. "There are those who
profess to serve God, while they rely upon
their own efforts to obey His law, to form a
right character, and secure salvation. Their
hearts are not moved by any deep sense of
the love of Christ, but they seek to perform
the duties of the Christian life as that which
God requires of them in order to gain
heaven. Such religion is worth nothing.
When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul
will be . . . filled with His love. . . . A pro-
fession of Christ without this deep love, is
mere talk, dry formality, and heavy drudg-
ery."—Steps
to Christ,
page 49.
2.
What is the evidence of genuine
love for God and man? 1 John 5:2, 3.
NOTE.—"When the children of God mani-
fest mercy, kindness, and love toward all
men, they also are witnessing to the charac-
ter of the statutes of heaven. They are bear-
ing testimony to the fact that 'the law of the
Lord is perfect, converting the soul' Ps.
19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this
love is breaking the law which he professes
to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward
our brethren declares what is our spirit
toward God. The love of God in the heart
is the only spring of love toward our neigh-
bor."—The Desire of Ages,
page 505.
3.
How may we know that we love
God and are acquainted with Him?
What is said of those who claim to
know God but do not obey Him? In
whom only can the love of God be
made perfect? 1 John 2:3-5.
The Life of Love
4.
What should those do who boast
of fellowship with Christ? How will
those who love and follow Christ con-
WE ARE A SPECTACLE TO MEN.
ARE WE BROADCASTING GOD'S LOVE'?
duct themselves? 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1,
2, 8, 9, 15.
.
NoTE.—"Therefore be imitators of God,
as His dear children. And live and act lov-
ingly, as Christ also loved you and gave
Himself up to death on our behalf as an
offering and sacrifice to God, yielding a fra-
grant odor." "Live and act as sons of light—
for the effect of the light is seen in every
kind of goodness, uprightness and truth."
"Therefore be very careful how you live and
act." (Weymouth.)
"Love must be the principle of action.
Love is the underlying principle of God's
government in heaven and earth, and it must
be the foundation of the Christian's charac-
ter. This alone can make and keep him stead-
fast."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 49.
5.
How did Jesus condemn the pro-
fession of obedience when love is lack-
ing? How did He describe such self-
approval? By what illustration did He
enforce His statement? Matt. 7:21-27.
NOTE.—"Only when selfishness is dead,
when strife for supremacy is banished, when
gratitude fills the heart, and love makes fra-
grant the life,—it is only then that Christ is
abiding in the soul, and we are recognized as
laborers together with
God."—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons,
page 402.
6.
By what abounding experience
may Christians be established in holi-
ness? 1 Thess. 3:12, 13.
Love, the Summary of Law
7.
How did Jesus summarize the
contents of the two tables of the Deca-
logue? By what statement did He in-
dicate that this summary includes all
Scripture? Matt. 22:36-40.
NoTE.—This statement has been appro-
priately called "the incomparable summary
of the law of God." It is obedience to "the
first and great commandment" that makes
possible the fulfilling of "the second." Only
those who love the Lord with all the affec-
tion, spiritual being, intellectual power, and
physical might, can love others as they love
themselves.
"To love Him, the Infinite, the Omniscient
One, with the whole strength and mind and
heart, means the highest development of
every power. It means that in the whole
being—the body, the mind, as well as the
soul—the image of God is to be restored.
"Like the first is the second command-
ment, `Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy-
self.' Mark 12:31. The law of love calls for
the devotion of body, mind, and soul to the
service pf God and our fellow
men."—Coun-
sels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
page 32.
8.
How did the apostle Paul make
it clear that love meets all the demands
of the second table of the Decalogue?
Rom. 13:8-10.
Nom—Moffatt translates these verses as
follows: "Be in debt to no man—apart from
the debt of love one to another. He who
loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law....
Love never wrongs a neighbor; that is why
love is the fulfillment of the law."
Weymouth translates them: "Owe nothing
to anyone except mutual love; for he who
loves his fellow man has satisfied the de-
mands of law. . . . Love avoids doing any
wrong to one's fellow man, and is therefore
complete obedience to law." This is illus-
[ 12
trated by the law of marriage, which is com-
pletely fulfilled in mutual love.
"It is the perpetual life of the church to
love God supremely, and to love others
as they love themselves."—Testimonies
to
Ministers,
page 95.
"Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever
the profession, no man has pure love to God
unless he has unselfish love for his brother.
. . . When self is merged in Christ, love
springs forth spontaneously."—Christ's
Ob-
ject Lessons,
page, 384.
9.
How are we to regard our neigh-
bor? Gal. 5:14.
Law in the Heart
10.
What made obedience a pleas-
ure to Jesus? Ps. 40:7, 8.
11.
With whom has the new cove-
nant been made? Where is it written?
What will be the blessed results? Jer.
31:31-34. Compare Heb. 8:6-12.
Nom.—Here is the distinction between
the old and new covenants. The first is an
attempt to obey the law on the basis of hu-
man works and promises. The second is obe-
dience by the indwelling presence of Christ
to the same law written in the heart and
mind. The first kind of obedience is a bur-
den and the second a delight. Jesus said:
"Except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye
shall in no case enter into the kingdom of
heaven." Matt. 5:20. The new covenant is
based on love. The law is written in the
heart, the seat of affection.
12.
What are Christians declared to
be? Through what agency is the law
written in the heart? What change is
thus wrought in the character? 2 Cor.
3:3, 17, 18.
NOTE.—"God is the mighty, all-powerful
agency in this work of transformation. By
His Holy Spirit He writes His law in the
heart. Thus divine relationship is renewed
between God and man. . . . The religion of
Christ means more than the forgiveness of
sin; it means that sin is taken away, and
that the vacuum is filled with the Spirit. It
means that the mind is divinely illumined,
that the heart is emptied of self, and filled
with the presence of Christ."—Ellen G.
White, in
Review and Herald,
June 10, 1902.
Lesson 4, for April 24, 1954
The Rule of Love
MEMORY VERSE: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to
you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Matt. 7:12.
STUDY HELPS: "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages 177-185, 192-196;
"Testimonies," vol. 9, pp. 239-244; "Love," pages 29-34.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out- 4. Ques. 7-9.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 10-12.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1-3.
6. Read from Study Helps assignment.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
7. Review the entire lesson.
[13]
Lesson Outline:
I. Life's Golden Rule
1.
Treatment of others. Matt. 7:12.
2.
The mote and the beam. Matt. 7:1-5.
3.
Judging others, inexcusable. Rom.
2:1-3.
II. Submission, Not Retaliation
1.
Hated by the world. John 15:18-20.
2.
Suffering wrongfully. 1 Peter 2:19-
23.
3.
Rejoicing in the common lot of
Christians. 2 Tim. 3 :12 ; Matt.
5:10-12.
•
Ill. Attitude Toward Enemies
1.
Love your enemies. Matt. 5:43-48.
2.
The other cheek. Luke 6:27-29.
3.
The children of the Highest. Luke
6:31-35.
IV. Our Standing in the Judgment
1.
"With the same measure." Luke
6:36-38.
2.
Disinterested service and the judg-
ment. Matt. 25:34-46.
3.
Our example in suffering. Isa. 53:4,
5; Heb. 12:2, 3.
Key Words and Phrases:
1.
The Golden Rule.
Matthew 7:12 has
been well named "the golden rule." What
joy and peace the world would know if all
practiced this rule !
2.
Judge Not.
The Greek word used in
Matthew 7 and Romans 2 is a form of
krino
and implies judgment. In James 2:4 it is
from
krites,
from which we get the words
"critics," "criticize," and "criterion." Men's
own evil thoughts sometimes become the
criterion by which they judge others. Good-
speed translates James 2:4 thus: "Have you
not wavered and shown that your judg-
ments are guided by base motives?"
3.
Enemies.
The Latin root word
inimi-
cus
is made up of a negative prefix to the
word
amicus,
"friend." The Greek word
echthros
includes the idea of opponent. To
love one's enemies is uniquely a grace of
Christianity in its highest manifestation.
THE LESSON
Life's Golden Rule
1.
How did Jesus set forth the prin-
ciples of the second table of the Deca-
logue? Of what did He declare this to
be a summary? Matt. 7:12.
NoTE.-"Christ's rule of life, by which
every one of us must stand or fall in the
judgment, is, 'Whatsoever ye would that
men should do to you, do ye even so to
them.'
"-The Desire of Ages,
page 640.
"The whole circle of our obligation to one
another is covered by that word of Christ's,
`Whatsoever ye would that men should do
to you, do ye even so to them.'
"-Educa-
tion,
page 136.
2.
What severe rebuke had Jesus
just given in regard to the evils of
judging? By what illustration did He
show that the one who judges is far
more guilty than the one judged?
Matt. 7:1-5.
NOTE.-"Therefore" of verse 12 indicates
that the golden rule was given in view of
what Jesus had just been saying in regard to
judging and charity. To a large extent even
in this life we get what we give. "Accord-
ing to the figure that our Saviour uses, he
who indulges a censorious spirit is guilty of
greater sin than is the one he accuses; for he
not only commits the same sin, but adds to it
conceit and censoriousness. . . . The sin that
leads to the most unhappy results is the cold,
critical, unforgiving spirit that characterizes
Pharisaism. When the religious experience is
devoid of love, Jesus is not there; the sun-
shine of His presence is not there. No busy
activity or Christless zeal can supply the
lack. . . . He who is guilty of wrong, is the
first to suspect wrong. By condemning an-
other he is trying to conceal or excuse the
evil of his own
heart."-Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
pages 180, 181.
[
14]
3.
Who alone is qualified to judge
'justly? What will the unfair critic be
unable to escape? Rom. 2:1-3.
NoTE.—"Thus those who condemn or
criticize others, proclaim themselves guilty;
for they do the same things. In condemning
others, they are passing sentence upon them-
selves, and God declares that this sentence is
just. He accepts their own verdict against
themselves."—Thoughts
From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 179.
"Do not think yourself better than other
men, and set yourself up as their judge.
Since you cannot discern motive, you are
incapable of judging another. In criticizing
him, you are passing sentence upon yourself;
for you show that you are a participant with
Satan, the accuser of the brethren."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 314.
Submission, Not Retaliation
4.
What may genuine Christians
expect from ungodly people? What
two reasons are given for hatred and
persecution? John 15:18-20.
JUDGE NOT
LOOK IN THE MIRROR OF
GOD'S
LAW.
6. How many will be hated and
persecuted? On what basis only is per-
secution a blessing? What reason is
given for rejoicing? 2 Tim. 3:12; Matt.
5:10-12.
Attitude Toward Enemies
NoTE.—Jesus was not hated, persecuted,
and crucified because He was bad, but be-
cause He was good. His godly character and
conduct were a constant rebuke to sinners.
It is for this reason that His followers have
been persecuted in all ages. But to the
Christian, persecution is a blessing in dis-
guise. "Fiery trials make golden Chris-
tians," and God's remnant people will come
to the kingdom "out of great tribulation"
and through this experience will "have
washed their robes, and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb."
"Let there be a revival of the faith and
power of the early church, and the spirit of
persecution will be revived, and the fires of
persecution will be rekindled."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 48.
5. Who are commended for their
attitude under ill-treatment? What
example is given for imitation? What
is the only assurance of eventual jus-
tice? 1 Peter 2:19-23.
7.
How should Christians treat
their enemies? How does God dem-
onstrate His impartiality? What state-
ment indicates that this is one of the
chief evidences of perfection? Matt.
5:43-48.
8.
How did another writer record
these sayings of Jesus? How will the
Christlike respond to the ill-treatment
of others? Luke 6:27-29.
9.
What principle should govern
our actions toward others? What ex-
amples are given of the application of
this principle in daily life? What re-
ward is promised? Luke 6:31-35.
I 15 I
Our Standing in the Judgment
10. In what language are the prin-
ciples of the golden rule restated?,
Luke 6:36-38.
Nurz.—Of the golden rule we read: "This
is the true rule of honesty. It is another
expression of the law, 'Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself.' And it is the substance
of the teaching of the prophets. It is a prin-
ciple of heaven, and will be developed in all
who are fitted for its holy companionship.
The golden rule is the principle of true cour-
tesy, and its truest illustration is seen in the
life and character of Jesus. . . . That which
we do to others, whether it be good or evil,
will surely react upon ourselves, in bless-
ing or in cursing. Whatever we give, we
shall receive again. The earthly blessings
which we impart to others, may be, and
often are, repaid in kind. What we give does,
in time of need, often come back to us in
fourfold measure in the coin of the realm.
But, besides this, all gifts are repaid, even in
this life, in the fuller inflowing of His love,
which is the sum of all heaven's glory and
its treasure. And evil imparted, also returns
again. Everyone who has been free to con-
demn or discourage, will in his own experi-
ence be brought over the ground where he
has caused others to pass; he will feel what
they have suffered because of his want of
sympathy and tenderness.. . . The standard
of ,the golden rule is the true standard of
Christianity; anything short of it is a de-
ception. . . . When those who profess the
name of Christ shall practice the principles
of the golden rule, the same power will
attend the gospel as in apostolic times."
—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pages 192-197.
11.
What affects the eternal destiny
of all? What opposite rewards will be
meted out? Matt. 25:34-46.
Non.—"Every unjust act toward a fel-
low being is a violation of the golden rule.
Every wrong done to the children of God, is
done to Christ Himself in the person of His
saints."—Prophets and Kings,
page 652.
12.
How fully did Jesus as our ex-
ample practice the golden rule? Isa.
53:4, 5; Heb. 12:2, 3.
NoTE.—"Christ was treated as we deserve
that we might be treated as He deserves.
He was condemned for our sins, in which
He had no share, that we might be justified
by His righteousness, in which we had no
share. He suffered the death which was ours,
that we might receive the life which was His.
`With His stripes we are healed.'
"—The De-
sire of Ages,
page 25.
Lesson 5, for May 1, 1954
The Commandment of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"A new commandment
I
give unto
you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 13:34.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," vol. 8, pp. 239-243; "Love," pages 35-40.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
4. Ques. 7-9.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 10-12.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1-3.
6. Read Study Helps assignment.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
7. Review entire lesson.
[ 16 ]
Lesson Outline:
I. The New Commandment
1.
"As I have loved you." John 13:34.
2.
Love implanted by Holy Spirit.
Rom. 5:5.
3.
Love's supreme sacrifice. John 15:
13; Rom. 5:6-10; 1 John 3:16.
II. The New Did Not Supplant the Old
1.
Christ did not change the law. Matt.
5:17-20.
2.
He magnified the law. Isa. 42:21.
3.
He renewed an old commandment.
Lev. 19:17, 18; John 13:34.
III. Inspired Interpretations
1.
The old-new commandment. 1 John
2:7,8.
2.
The message from the beginning.
1 John 3:11.
3.
Hatred breeds murder. 1 John 3:12,
15.
IV. The Evidence of Discipleship
1.
Revelation to all men. John 13:34,
35.
2.
A witness to the world. John 17:21-
26.
3.
Quality of brotherly love. Rom.
12:9, 10.
Key Words and Phrases:
1.
New Commandment.
The new com-
mandment in some respects is like the new
covenant. The new covenant was really
God's basic covenant with His people from
the beginning. It became new in its ratifica-
tion by Christ. Likewise the new command-
ment was the fundamental law of human
relationships from the beginning and be-
came new in its magnification in the life and
death of Christ.
2.
Magnify
is from the Latin
magnus,
"great." The Hebrew word
gadal
also means
"to make great." Instead of belittling the
law, as some attempt to do, Jesus made it
great.
3.
Hate
implies aversion often coupled
with enmity or malice. It is the antithesis
of love and the root of murder. See 1 John
3:15.
4.
Kindly Affectioned.
The last days
are to be characterized by a lack of natural
affection (2 Tim. 3:3), but Christians will
manifest true brotherly love and considera-
tion.
THE LESSON
The New Commandment
1. What new commandment did
Jesus give just before His departure?
What was to be the measure of love
among Christians? John 13:34.
NOTE.
-This "new commandment" has
been called "the eleventh commandment."
However, it adds nothing to the ten, but is
rather a summary of the Decalogue and
shows that love is the basic principle in obe-
dience to the whole law. Genuine Chris-
tianity is to love with the same unselfish and
devoted fervor with which Christ loved.
"When those who profess to serve God
follow Christ's example, practicing the prin-
ciples of the law in their daily life; when
every act bears witness that they love God
supremely and their neighbor as themselves,
then will the church have power to move the
world."-Christ's Object Lessons,
page 340.
2.
Through what agency is the
love of God implanted in the heart?
Rom. 5:5.
Nora.-"All who long to bear the likeness
of the character of God shall be satisfied.
The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the
soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of
the things of Christ and shows them unto
him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the
work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is
conformed to His image. The pure element
of love will expand the soul, giving it a ca-
pacity for higher attainments, for increased
knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will
not rest short of the fullness."-The
Desire
of Ages,
page 302.
3.
What is the supreme sacrifice one
human being can make for another?
In what respect is the love of Christ
[ 17
I
NOT ARGUMENT, BUT CHRISTUKE
UVES ARE NEEDED TODAY.
still greater? John 15:13; Rom. 5:6-
10; 1 John 3:16.
NOTE.—"It is scarcely conceivable that
anyone would die for a simply just man, al-
though for a good and lovable man perhaps"
some would. (Weymouth.) Love for another
cannot be carried further than death, when
a person gives all that he has. Someone has•
said that "self-sacrifice is the high-water
mark of love." The cross of Christ best
measures the height and depth and breadth
of the love of Christ, which is indescribable.
"Looking upon the crucified Redeemer,
we more fully comprehend the magnitude
and meaning of the sacrifice made by the
Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is
glorified before us, and the thought of Cal-
vary awakens living and sacred emotions in
our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will
be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride
and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul
that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of
Calvary."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 661.
The New Did Not Supplant the Old
4. By what statement did Jesus
make it clear that the new command-
ment does not supplant the old? Who
are considered least and who great in
the sight of heaven? Matt. 5:17-20.
5.
In Christ's relation to the law,
what was the purpose of His first ad-
vent? Isa. 42:21.
6.
In what sense was Christ's com-
mandment to love one another new?
Compare Lev. 19:17, 18 with John
13:34.
NOTE.—It was in reality a renewed com-
mandment, but its spirit had been so far
lost that it required a new demonstration in
the life.
While this prophecy was fulfilled in the
teachings of Christ which showed that the
law is so "exceeding broad" that it embraces
"the whole duty of man," including the
thoughts of the mind and the motives of the
heart, yet the law was magnified chiefly by
the new measure of love as exemplified in the
life and death of Christ, which has given new
motives and incentives for obedience. The
law, therefore, becomes new in experience
rather than time. Jesus went the second
mile in obedience and loved His neighbor
more than He loved Himself. Such love had
never before been seen or known.
"Man's destiny will be determined by his
obedience to the whole law. Supreme love
to God and impartial love to man are the
principles to be wrought out in the life."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 498.
"The principle on which Christ acted is to
actuate the members of the church which is
His body. The plan and ground of salvation
is
love."—Ibid.,
p. 550.
Inspired Interpretations
7.
How does the apostle of love ex-
plain the new commandment? What
reason does he give for its newness?
1 John 2:7, 8.
NOTE.—The old commandment is new be-
cause, as John said, "The darkness is pass-
ing away, and the true light already shin-
eth." (American Standard Version.) Like
the "new song," love can never grow old. It
is ever new and fresh with every new experi-
[18]
ence. It puts the old law in a new setting
and love in a new light. It becomes a new
code of conduct to those who through the
new birth become new creatures under the
new covenant. To them "all things are be-
come new," even the Decalogue.
8.
What message has been heard
from the beginning? 1 John 3:11.
Nora.—"The command to love one an-
other had a new meaning in the light of His
self-sacrifice. The whole work of grace is
one continual service of love, of self-denying,
self-sacrificing effort. During every hour of
Christ's sojourn upon the earth, the love of
God was flowing from Him in irrepressible
streams. All who are imbued with His Spirit
will love as He loved. The very principle
that actuated Christ will actuate them in all
their dealing one with another. . . . When
men are bound together, not by force or self-
interest, but by love, they show the working
of an influence that is above every human
influence. Where this oneness exists, it is
evidence that the image of God is being re-
stored in humanity, that a new principle of
life has been implanted. It shows that there
is power in the divine nature to withstand
the supernatural agencies of evil, and that
the grace of God subdues the selfishness in-
herent in the natural heart."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 677, 678.
9.
What example of disobedience
to this ancient commandment is cited?
And what basic motive is revealed?
1 John 3:12, 15. Compare 1 John
2:9, 11.
.
The Evidence of Discipleship
10.
What does obedience to the new
commandment reveal to "all men"?
John 13:34, 35.
Nora.—Not by their peculiarity of dress,
orthodoxy of belief, austerity of life, or rites
and ceremonies are the followers of Christ to
be recognized. Love is the badge of their
order, the banner of their religion. Tertullian
said: "The working of such love puts a
brand upon us; for see, say the heathen, how
they love one another, and are ready to lay
down their lives for each other." Jerome de-
clared that John in his old age often quoted
the new commandment, and when asked
why, he replied, "Because it is the Lord's
commandment; and if it be fulfilled it is
enough."
11.
What do Christian love and
unity show to the world? John
17:21-26.
NOTE.—"There is nothing that Christ de-
sires so much as agents who will represent to
the world His Spirit and character. There is
nothing that the world needs so much as the
manifestation through humanity of the Sav-
iour's love. All heaven is waiting for chan-
nels through which can be poured the holy
oil to be a joy and blessing to human hearts.
Christ has made every provision that His
church shall be a transformed body, illu-
mined with the Light of the world, possess-
ing the glory of Immanuel. It is His purpose
that every Christian shall be surrounded
with a spiritual atmosphere of light and
peace. He desires that we shall reveal His
own joy in our lives. The indwelling of
the Spirit will be shown by the outflowing
of heavenly
love."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 419 (new ed., pp. 428, 429).
12.
What kind of love should Chris-
tians manifest? How should they re-
gard evil and good? What will be
their attitude toward each other?
Rom. 12:9, 10.
Nora.—"Let your love be perfectly sin-
cere." (Weymouth.) "Let love be genuine."
(R.S .V.)
"Let us remember that a Christlike life is
the most powerful argument that can be ad-
vanced in favor of Christianity, and that a
cheap Christian character works more harm
in the world than the character of a world-
ling. Not all the books written can serve the
purpose of a holy life. Men will believe, not
what the minister preaches, but what the
church lives. Too often the influence of the
sermon preached from the pulpit is counter-
acted by the sermon preached in the lives of
those who claim to be advocates of truth."—
Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 21.
[ 19 ]
Lesson 6, for May 8, 1954
The Supremacy of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have
not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." 1 Cor.
1 3: 1 .
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 318-322; "Love," pages 41-52.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
4. Ques. 7-9.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 10-12.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1-3.
6. Read Study Helps assignment.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
7. Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Transcendent Life
1.
The more excellent way. 1 Cor.
12:31; 13:1.
2.
The divine agent. Gal. 5:22, 23.
3.
The voice of love unto edification.
1 Cor. 13:1; 14:7-12.
II. Love Pervading the Gifts
1.
The essential element in spiritual
gifts. 1 Cor. 13:2.
2.
A paramount gift. 1 Cor.
14:1-4.
3.
Place and duration of the prophetic
gift. Amos 3:7; 2 Peter 1:19; Rev.
12:17; 19:10.
4.
The source and importance of the
gift of wisdom. Prov. 4:7-9; 9:10;
Hosea 4 : 6.
5.
The gift of faith. Heb. 11:1-6.
6.
Availing faith. Matt. 17:14-21; Gal.
5:6.
III. Love Supreme
1.
In good deeds. 1 Cor. 13:3, first
part; Matt. 6:1-4.
2.
In martyrdom. 1 Cor. 13:3.
3.
Love's supreme manifestation: John
15:12, 13 ; Rom. 5:7, 8.
Key Words and Phrases:
1.
Charity,
as used in the King James
Version, was borrowed from the Vulgate. It
was used to avoid the sensuous and vulgar
sense with which love was often associated
in the sixteenth century. The word is al-
together too limited in meaning, and there-
fore "love" is more correct and meaningful,
and is used in all of the more modern trans-
lations.
2.
More Excellent Way.
Excellent
is
from the Latin root that means "to go be-
yond the limit." The Greek word in the
original is
huperbolen
from
huger,
meaning
"over," plus
ballein, meaning
"to throw."
Compare
hyperbole.
Love is the more excel-
lent way, that goes beyond that which is
required. It is the spirit of the second mile.
Compare Matt. 5:41.
3.
Sounding Brass.
This expression con-
notes empty, ostentatious, noisy profession.
The Greek word for "sounding" is related to
our word "echo" and as used here is as an
empty, mocking, noisy echo.
THE LESSON
what striking illustration does the
apostle emphasize the uselessness of
the gift of speech or tongues when
love is lacking? 1 Cor. 12:31, last
part; 13:1.
1207
The Transcendent Life
1. What gift is even more excellent
and desirable than those enumerated
in chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians? By
NOTE.—The chapter we now begin to
study, which sets forth "the more excellent
way," or "the way of life that transcends
all others," has appropriately been called
The Psalm of Love. Here the value of love
is emphasized in comparison with spiritual
gifts and the spirit of charity and sacrifice.
2.
Through what agency do the
Father and Son bestow the excellent
and incomparable gift of love? What
other Christian characteristics natu-
rally follow? Gal. 5:22, 23.
NoTE.—The Holy Spirit was given as the
Spirit of love, and the purpose of His advent
was to reproduce in man the character of
Christ, who came into the world to manifest
the love of God. Because "God is love," the
Spirit of God is also love, and therefore "the
fruit of the Spirit is love." Someone has said
that the Father is the Fountain of love; the
Son the Reservoir of love, in whom the love
was poured out; and the Spirit the living
love which united both and then overflowed
into the world.
3.
To what did the apostle liken
eloquence without love? What lesson
does Paul emphasize from the playing
of musical instruments? 1 Cor. 13:1;
14:7-12.
NOTE.—"A noisy gong or a clanging cym-
bal." (Moffatt.) The Hebrews had "loud
cymbals" and "high-sounding cymbals." Ps.
150:5. Loveless religion is often loud and
noisy and unharmonious. To ancient Israel
the Lord said, "Take thou away from Me
the noise of thy songs." Amos 5:23. From
the viewpoint of heaven all religious exer-
cises constitute discordant and unintelligible
noise when love is not the motivating prin-
ciple.
"Talents, learning, and eloquence, without
this heavenly attribute, will be as meaning-
less as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal."
—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 169.
Love Pervading the Gifts
4.
What other three important spir-
itual gifts are named? How does the
apostle estimate the worth of the pos-
sessor if he is without love? 1 Cor.
13:2.
5.
What is one of the chief spiritual
gifts to be desired? How is its impor-
tance over the gift of tongues stated?
1 Cor. 14:1-4.
6.
What has been revealed to the
church through the gift of prophecy?
How long will the prophetic light
continue to shine? What is Satan's
attitude toward the remnant because
of the prophetic gift in their midst?
Amos 3:7; 2 Peter 1:19; Rev. 12:17;
19:10.
7.
How important are wisdom and
knowledge? Where do these gifts
have their source? What will be the
tragic result when knowledge is lack-
ing? Prov. 4:7-9; 9:10; Hosea 4:6.
NOTE.—"While we cannot now compre-
hend the works and ways of God, we can
discern His great love, which underlies all
[ 21 ]
His dealings with men. He who lives near to
Jesus will understand much of the mystery
of godliness. He will recognize the mercy
that administers reproof, that tests the char-
acter, and brings to light the purpose of the
heart."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 394.
8.
What is faith, and what is said
of the importance of this gift of the
Spirit? Heb. 11:1-6.
9.
What was the cause of the failure
of the disciples to heal the sick on a
certain occasion? What will even a
small amount of faith accomplish?
What brings miracle-working faith?
Matt. 17:14-21; Gal. 5:6.
NOTE.—"No matter how high his profes-
sion, he whose heart is not imbued with love
for God and for his fellow men is not a
disciple of Christ. Though he should possess
great faith, and even have power to work
miracles, yet without love his faith would
be
worthless."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 168.
"Faith working by love is the key of
knowledge, and everyone that loveth 'know-
eth God.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 139.
Love Supreme
10.
How does God regard man's
substitution for charity? What spirit
should actuate one's almsgiving?
1 Cor. 13:3, first part; Matt. 6:1-4.
Nom—The value of true charity is deter-
mined by
how
we give, rather than
what
we
give; by the motive rather than the act. The
most liberal giving from a selfish viewpoint
robs charity of its charitableness, making it
more a bid for honor and glory and popu-
larity, or a commercial investment than a
manifestation of love.
"He might display great liberality, but
should he from some other motive than
genuine love bestow all his goods to feed the
poor, the act would not commend him to the
favor of
God."—Testimonies, vol. 5,
p. 168.
11.
What is the utmost limit in in-
dividual sacrifice? What is the value
of even martyrdom when the motive is
selfish? 1 Cor. 13:3.
Nozz.—This text indicates the possibility
of suffering martyrdom from a wrong mo-
tive on the basis of self-love, pride of opin-
ion, or stubbornness.
"In his zeal he might even meet a martyr's
death, yet if destitute of the gold of love he
would be regarded by God as a deluded en-
thusiast or an ambitious hypocrite."—Testi-
monies, vol.
5, p. 168.
12.
What is the greatest manifesta-
tion of human love? How is the love
of Christ even greater? What should
be the measure of our love for each
other? John 15:12, 13; Rom. 5:7, 8.
Nara.—"Love to man is the earthward
manifestation of the love of God. It was to
implant this love, to make us children of one
family, that the King of glory became one
with us. And when His parting words are
fulfilled, 'Love one another, as I have loved
you' (John 15:12) ; when we love the world
as He has loved it, then for us His mission
is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven;
for we have heaven in our hearts."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 641.
LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND
The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are pub-
lished each quarter in Braille and supplied free to the blind upon
request. Address: The Christian Record Benevolent Association, Box 66,
Lincoln 6, Nebraska.
[ 22 ]
Lesson 7, for May 15, 1954
The Character of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without par-
tiality, and without hypocrisy." James 3:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 376-389; "Love," pages 53-58.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out- 4. Ques. 8-10.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 11-13.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1-3.
6, Read Study Helps assignment.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
7. Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Spirit of Long-Suffering
1.
Love suffereth long. 1 Cor. 13:4,
first part.
2.
Long-suffering a fruit of the Spirit.
Gal. 5:22.
3.
A characteristic of God. Ex. 33:18;
34:6; Ps. 86:15.
4.
Leads to repentance. Rom. 2:4..
II. The Spirit of Kindness
1.
Love is kind. 1 Cor. 13:4; Gal. 5:22.
2.
Divine loving-kindness. Ps. 17:7;
36:7; Jer. 31:3.
3.
Jacob's gentle spirit. Gen. 33:14.
4.
Gentleness the secret of greatness.
2 Sam. 22:36.
III. Love Does Not Envy
1.
Love envieth not. 1 Cor. 13:4.
2.
Devastating effect of envy. Prov.
27:4.
3.
Envy in contrast with love. Song of
Solomon 8:6, 7.
4.
Envy, one of the works of the flesh.
Gal. 5:19-21.
5.
Envy and wisdom. James 3:14-18.
Key Words and Phrases:
1.
Long-Suffering.
Long-suffering
is suf-
fering that is extended and drawn out, or
lasting. It is the virtue of enduring with
patience, resignation, and fortitude. It is
patient toleration of the weakness and of-
fenses of others, refraining from retaliation
or retribution.
2.
Kindness.
The Anglo-Saxon root of
this word is the same as in "kin" and "kin-
dred." Hence
kind
used as an adjective,
kindly
as an adverb, and
kindness
as a
noun, signify in their basic meaning feelings
befitting our common, natural relationships.
The Greek word
chrestos,
translated "kind,"
means "useful, beneficial;" hence the spirit
of kindness seeks to be helpful as one would
expect to be to his own kin.
3.
Gentle.
From the Latin root mean-
ing "tribe" or "race;" hence, with connota-
tion of conduct befitting the tribe, nobility
of character, honorableness, refinement, as
in the word
gentleinan.
The Hebrew
'anti*
in "Thy gentleness hath made me great" in-
cludes the idea of humility.
4.
Envy.
Envy is the fruit of malice or
covetousness. The original Greek word used
mostly for "envy" in the New Testament is
synonymous with "jealousy."
[ 23 ]
THE LESSON
The Spirit of Long-Suffering
1.
As the apostle begins his analysis
of love, what beautiful characteristic
is set forth? 1 Cor. 13:4, first part.
NoTE.—"Love is patient and kind." (Wey-
mouth.) "Love is very patient, very kind."
(Moffatt.) In this section of his treatise on
love, the apostle describes love as a positive
principle. He expands its meaning by divid-
ing it into the various elements of which it
is composed, as light shining through a prism
is broken up into its component parts—the
various colors of the rainbow. He takes love
into the laboratory of experience and shows
that it is not a single ingredient, but a com-
bination of active spiritual ingredients. He
tells what love is, and what it is not;, what
it does, and what it does not, do.
2.
What is the fourth of the nine
beautiful fruits which will appear in
the life, of which love is the first?
Gal. 5:22.
3.
When Moses asked for a vision
of the glory, or character, of God,
what six beautiful characteristics were
divinely proclaimed? Ex. 33:18; 34:6;
Ps. 86:15.
4.
What is the blessed result of the
long-suffering and goodness of God?
Rom.
2:4.
Nom—Since it is an integral part of the
character of God, long-suffering is being
godlike or Christlike. It is therefore essential
to character building and salvation. See
2 Corinthians 6:4-6; Ephesians 4:1-3; Co-
lossians 3:12-14. It will be especially needed
by the remnant. See Revelation 7:12-14;
12:17.
The Spirit of Kindness
5.
What godly characteristic is
given second place in those enumer-
ated by Paul in the chapter under con-
sideration? By what name is it de-
scribed in the fifth fruit of the Spirit?
1 Cor. 13:4, second part; Gal.
5:22.
NoTE.—"The grace of Christ in the soul is
developing traits of character that are the
opposite of selfishness,—traits that will re-
fine, ennoble, and enrich the life. Acts of
kindness performed in secret will bind hearts
together, and will draw them closer to the
heart of Him from whom every generous
impulse springs. The little attentions, the
small acts of love and self-sacrifice, that flow
out from the life as quietly as the fragrance
from a flower,—these constitute no small
share of the blessings and happiness of life."
—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page 123.
6.
What prayer was offered by the
psalmist? What further description
does he give of God's kindness? How
does the Lord say His love is mani-
fested toward us? Ps. 17:7; 36:7; Jer.
31:3.
7.
In what words did Jacob reveal
one of the characteristics of a gentle-
man? Gen. 33:14.
NoTE.—"Christianity will make a man a
gentleman. Christ was courteous, even to
His persecutors; and His true followers will
manifest the same spirit."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 489.
"None but a wholehearted Christian can
be a perfect gentleman; but if Christ is
abiding in the soul His spirit will be revealed
in the manner, the words, and the actions.
Gentleness and love cherished in the heart
will appear in self-denial, in true courtesy.
Such workers will be the light of the world."
—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 264.
[
241
A
TEST OF
OUR
RELIGION—
HOW
OUR FAMILY WELCOMES
US.
8.
What did David declare to be the
secret of true greatness? 2 Sam. 22:36.
NOTE.—"The grace of Christ is to con-
trol the temper and the voice. Its working
will be seen in politeness and tender regard
shown by brother for brother, in kind, en-
couraging words. An angel-presence is in
the home. The life breathes a sweet perfume,
which ascends to God as holy incense. Love
is manifested in kindness, gentleness, for-
bearance, and long-suffering. The counte-
nance is changed. Christ abiding in the heart
shines out in the faces of those who love Him
and keep His commandments. Truth is writ-
ten there. The sweet peace of heaven is re-
vealed. There is expressed a habitual gentle-
ness, a more than human
love."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 102 (new ed., p. 99).
Love Does Not Envy
9.
What does the apostle say love
does not do? 1 Cor. 13:4, second part.
Norn.—"Love is not jealous." (Revised
Standard Version.) "Love knows neither
envy nor jealousy." (Weymouth.) "Every
true Christian will develop in his life the
characteristics of this divine love; he will
reveal a spirit of forbearance, of beneficence,
and a freedom from envy and jealousy."—
Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 123.
10.
What question is asked in re-
gard to envy? Prov. 27:4, last part.
11.
How does Solomon contrast
jealousy and love? Song of Solomon
8:6, 7.
NOTE.—"Envy is one of the most satanic
traits that can exist in the human heart, and
it is one of the most baleful in its effects....
It was envy that first caused discord in
heaven, and its indulgence has wrought un-
told evil among men." "Envy is the off-
spring of pride, and if it is entertained in
the heart, it will lead to hatred, and even-
tually to revenge and
murder."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
pages 385, 651.
12.
To what evil family does envy
belong? Gal. 5:19-21.
13.
With what are envy and strife
contrasted? James 3:14-18.
NOTE.—"Envy is not merely a perverse-
ness of temper, but a distemper, which dis-
orders all the faculties. It began with Satan.
He desired to be first in heaven, and because
he could not have all the power and glory he
sought, he rebelled against the government
of God. He envied our first parents and
tempted them to sin and thus ruined them
and all the human race.
"The envious man shuts his eyes to the
good qualities and noble deeds of others.
He is always ready to disparage and mis-
represent that which is excellent. Men often
confess and forsake other faults, but there
is little to be hoped for from the envious
man. . . .
"The envious man diffuses poison wher-
ever he goes, alienating friends and stirring
up hatred and rebellion against God and
man. He seeks to be thought best and great-
est, not by putting forth heroic, self-deny-
ing efforts to reach the goal of excellence
himself, but by . . . diminishing the merit
due to the efforts of
others."—Testimonies,
vol.
5, p. 56.
[
25]
Lesson 8, for May 22, 1954
The Humility of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly: but
the proud He knoweth afar off." Ps. 138:6.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 283, 284; "Love," pages 59-64.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
4. Ques. 7-10.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 11-13.
2.
Key Words: Ques. 1-3.
6. Read Study Helps assignment.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
7. Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I.
The Sin of Pride
1.
No pride in love. 1 Cor. 13:4, last
part..
2.
Haughtiness condemned. 1 Sam.
2:3; Prov. 8:13.
3.
Pride and humility contrasted. Prov.
11:2; 16:18; Luke 14:11.
II. A Satanic Spirit
1.
Lwcifer's boastful ambition. Isa.
14:12-15.
2.
The standard of greatness. Matt.
18:1-4.
3.
Pride contributes to last-day perils.
2 Tim. 3:1-5.
111. The Spirit of Christ
1.
Christ our example in humility.
Matt. 11:28, 29; Phil. 2:5-9.
2.
In lowliness of mind esteem others.
Phil. 2:2-4.
3.
Pawl did not boast. 2 Cor. 10:1, 13-
18; 12:5, 6.
IV. The Virtue of Meekness
1.
The eighth fruit of the Spirit. Gal.
5:22, 23.
2.
Companion virtues of meekness.
Eph. 4:2, 3; Col. 3:12, 13.
3.
God's dwelling place. Isa. 57:15;
' Ps. 138:6.
4.
The inheritance of the meek. Matt.
5:5; Ps. 37:29; 149:4.
Key Words and Phrases:
1.
Humility,
from
humus,
"the earth."
A humble person is not exalted but is down
to earth.
2.
Vaunteth,
from the Latin
vanus,
"vain, empty." Vainglory and boasting are
not fruits of the Spirit.
3.
Perilous Times.
Two Greek words are
used in the New Testament for peril: (1)
kindunos,
"danger," "peril;" (2)
chalepos,
"hard," "difficult," "fierce." In 2 Timothy
3:1 it is the latter word. Hard, difficult,
fierce times will come, because men will be
lovers of self.
THE LESSON
The Sin of Pride
1. What characteristics of pride are
never seen in love? 1 Cor. 13:4, last
part.
NOTE.
-"Is
not rash," is the marginal
reading for "vaunteth not itself." "Love ...
is not arrogant or rude." (R.S.V.) "Love
makes no parade, gives itself no airs." (Mof-
fatt.) "Love is not forward and self-asser-
[
26
]
tive, nor boastful and conceited." (Wey-
mouth.)
Since love "is not puffed up," those con-
trolled by its power will not be wise in their
"own conceits." They will not be character-
ized by inflated ego or swollen self-conceit.
Love "does not swell or swagger," and is
"not inflated with vanity," are other trans-
lations of the statement in 1 Corinthians
13:4. Inflation always indicates a shrinkage
in value, as illustrated by financial inflation.
Being "puffed up" by pride always indicates
a little man attempting to hide his smallness
or ignorance.
"Love vaunteth not itself. It is a humble
element; it never prompts a man to boast,
to exalt himself. Love for God and for our
fellow men will not be revealed in acts of
rashness nor lead us to be overbearing, fault-
finding, or dictatorial. Love is not puffed
up. The heart where love reigns will be
guided to a gentle, courteous, compassionate
course of conduct toward others, whether
they suit our fancy or not, whether they re-
spect us or treat us
ill."—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp. 123, 124.
2.
What admonition from Han-
nah's prayer should be heeded? What
is God's attitude toward this evil trait?
1 Sam. 2:3; Prov. 8:13.
NoTE.—"There is nothing so offensive to
God, or so dangerous to the human soul, as
pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is
the most hopeless, the most incurable."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 154 (new ed., p.
156).
"The sin that is most nearly hopeless and
incurable is pride of opinion, self-conceit.
This stands in the way of all growth."—
Testimonies, vol.
7, pp. 199, 200.
3.
What are the sure results of pride
and haughtiness? What opposite re-
ward will be given? Prov. 11:2; 16:18;
Luke 14:11.
A Satanic Spirit
4.
What caused the fall of Lucifer?
What divine decree indicates the final
reward of pride and self-exaltation?
Isa. 14:12-15.
•
NOTE.—"Lucifer desired God's power, but
not His character. He sought for himself
the highest place, and every being who is
actuated by his spirit will do the same.
Thus alienation, discord, and strife will be
inevitable. .
. Before honor is humility.
To fill a high place before men, Heaven
chooses the worker who, like John the Bap-
tist, takes a lowly place before God."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 436 (1940 ed., pp. 435,
436).
"Unselfishness, the principle of God's
kingdom, is the principle that Satan hates;
its very existence he denies. . . . It was to
give in His own life an illustration of un-
selfishness that Jesus came in the form of
humanity."—Education,
page 154.
5.
What question did the selfish
ambitions of the disciples lead them
to ask? How only did Jesus say they
could ever enter the kingdom of
heaven? Who would be considered
greatest there? Matt. 18:1-4.
NoTE.—"To be great in God's kingdom is
to be a little child in humility, in simplicity
of faith, and in the purity of love. All pride
must perish, all jealousy be overcome, all
ambition for supremacy be given up, and
the meekness and trust of the child be en-
couraged. All such will find Christ their rock
of defense, their strong tower. In Him they
[27
1
may trust implicitly, and He will never fail
them."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 130.
6.
What sins of pride will produce
"perilous times" in "the last days"?
What statement indicates that these
conditions will prevail among pro-
fessed Christians? 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
NOTE.—Five of the nineteen sins here
enumerated are forms of pride. "Let no one
deceive his own soul in this matter. If you
harbor pride, self-esteem, a love for the su-
premacy, vainglory, unholy ambition, mur-
muring, discontent, bitterness, evilspeaking,
lying, deception, slandering, you have not
Christ abiding in your heart, and the evi-
dence shows that you have the mind and
character of Satan, not of Jesus Christ, who
was meek and lowly of
heart."—Testimonies
to Ministers,
page 441.
The Spirit of Christ
7.
In contrast to Lucifer's spirit of
pride, what was the attitude of Jesus?
Matt. 11:28, 29; Phil. 2:5-9.
8.
What harmony will be produced
among those who possess the mind
and love of Christ? What will be their
attitude toward others? Phil. 2:2-4.
9.
What spirit actuated the apostle
Paul as he proclaimed the gospel?
2 Cor. 10:1, 13-18; 12:5, 6.
NoTE.—"The goodness, the mercy, the
compassion, the tenderness, the loving-kind-
ness of God are to be expressed in the words,
deportment, and character of all who claim
to be children of God, especially in those
who claim to be messengers sent by the Lord
Jesus with the word of life to save the per-
ishing. . .. They should bear the same qual-
ity of fruit that the vine
bears."—Testimo-
nies to Ministers,
pages 151, 152.
The Virtue of Meekness
10.
What is the eighth manifesta-
tion of the fruit of the Spirit, of which
the first is love? Gal. 5:22, 23.
11.
With what other beautiful
Christian virtues is meekness associ-
ated? Eph. 4:2, 3; Col. 3:12, 13.
NOTE.—"Meekness is a precious grace,
willing to suffer silently, willing to endure
trials. Meekness is patient and labors to be
happy under all circumstances. Meekness is
always thankful and makes its own songs of
happiness, making melody in the heart to
God. Meekness will suffer disappointment
and wrong, and will not
retaliate."—Testi-
monies, vol.
3, p. 335.
12.
With whom will
God dwell?
Isa. 57:15; Ps. 138:6.
NOTE.—"Lowliness of heart is the strength
that gives victory to the followers of Christ;
it is the token of their connection with the
courts above. 'Though the Lord be high, yet
hath He respect unto the lowly.' Ps. 138:6.
Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit
of Christ are tenderly regarded by God."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 301.
13.
What rich reward is promised
to the meek? How permanent will be
their dwelling place? What does God
promise to do to their characters?
Matt 5:5; Ps. 37:29; 149:4. Compare
1 Peter 5:6.
NOTE.—"Heaven is to begin on this earth.
When the Lord's people are filled with meek-
ness and tenderness, they will realize that
His banner over them is love, and His fruit
will be sweet to their taste. They will make
a heaven below in which to prepare for
heaven
above."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 131.
28
Lesson 9, for May 29, 1954
The Behavior of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not
easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the
truth." 1 Cor.
13:5, 6.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 318, 319; "Testimonies," vol. 5,
pp.
123, 124;
"Love," pages 65-72.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
4. Ques. 7-9.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 10-12.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1-3.
6. Read Study Helps assignment.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
7. Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Love's Wise Deportment
1.
Conduct ever seemly. 1 Cor. 13:5,
first part.
2.
David's exemplary behavior under
provocation. Ps. 101:2 ; 1 Sam.
18:5, 14, 15, 28-30.
3.
Paul's unblamable deportment. 1
Thess. 2:10; 1 Tim. 3:2.
II. Love Is Unselfish
1.
Seeks not her own. 1 Cor. 13:5,
second part.
2.
Blessed in giving. Acts 20:35; 1 Cor.
10:24; Phil. 2:3, 4.
3.
The greatness of ministry.
John
6:38; Mark 10:43-45.
III. The Tranquillity of Love
1.
Love is not provoked. 1 Cor. 13:5,
third part.
2.
Love takes no offense. Ps. 119:165.
3.
Jesus prayed for His enemies. Luke
23:34; 1 Peter 2:21-23.
IV. A Lover of Justice
1.
Thinks no evil. 1 Cor. 13:6.
2.
Unwise comparisons. 2 Cor. 10:12;
Luke 18:10, 11; Matt. 7:1-5.
3.
Treatment of enemies. Matt. 5:
43-48.
Key Words and Phrases:
1.
Behavior
is one's reaction to his en-
vironment. Love does not behave unseemly.
2.
Offend.
The original Hebrew word
for
offend
as used in Psalm 119:165 is
mik-
sl51
and means "a stumbling block." Noth-
ing that anyone may say or do should be-
come a stumbling block to the Christian.
3.
True Courtesy.
Courtesy
is
really
conduct worthy of the court of royalty. In
a sense every man is a king, and he should
be treated with courtly deference.
THE LESSON
Love's Wise Deportment
1. What else does the apostle say
that love does not do? 1 Cor. 13:5, first
part.
NoTE.-Is never rude. "She does not be-
have unbecomingly" is the Weymouth trans-
lation. Love is always kind and courteous
and on her best behavior, ever walking in
the paths of rectitude and good manners.
[ 29 ]
Love is never rude, ill-bred, erratic, unbal-
anced, or extreme. She always does things
"decently and in order."
"The heart in which love rules will not be
filled with passion or revenge, by injuries
which pride and self-love would deem un-
bearable. Love is unsuspecting, ever placing
the most favorable construction upon the
motives and acts of others. Love will never
needlessly expose the faults of others. It
does not listen eagerly to unfavorable re-
ports, but rather seeks to bring to mind
some good qualities of the one defamed."—
Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 169 (1948 ed., pp. 168,
169).
2. What vow did David make in his
youth? Under what difficult circum-
stances did he fulfill this pledge, and
with what results? Ps. 101:2; 1 Sam.
18:5, 14, 15, 28-30.
•
3. To what did Paul call his con-
verts to witness? What did he say re-
garding the life and conduct of lead-
ers? 1 Thess. 2:10; 1 Tim. 3:2.
Love Is Unselfish
4. How does love demonstrate an
unselfish spirit? 1 Cor. 13:5, second
part.
NOTE.—Love "is ... never selfish." (Mof-
fatt.) "Love does not insist on its own
way." (R.S.V.)
"She does not . seek to aggrandize her-
self." (Weymouth.) Love is never greedy,
grasping, or covetous and never seeks its
own interests. Love obeys the counsel,
"Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek
them not." Jer. 45:5.
"Love is an active principle; it keeps the
good of others continually before us, thus
restraining us from inconsiderate actions lest
we fail of our object in winning souls to
Christ. Love seeks not its own. It will not
prompt men to seek their own ease and in-
dulgence of self. It is the respect we render
to I that so often hinders the growth of
love."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p.. 124.
5.
What did Jesus say about un-
selfishness? How did Paul state the
same truth? Acts 20:35; 1 Cor. 10:24;
Phil. 2:3, 4.
NOTE.—"Self-love, self-interest, .must per-
ish. And the law of self-sacrifice is the law
of self-preservation."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 623.
6.
How did Jesus manifest the spirit
of unselfishness? What did He declare
to be the evidence of true greatness?
John 6:38; Mark 10:43-45.
NOTE.—" 'I seek not Mine own glory,' but
the glory of Him that sent Me. In these
words is set forth the great principle which
is the law of life for the universe. All things
Christ received from God, but He took to
give."
"The simplicity, the self-forgetfulness,
and the confiding love of a little child are the
attributes that Heaven values. These are
the characteristics of real greatness."
"The whole work of grace is one continual
service of love, of self-denying, self-sacrific-
ing effort. During every hour of Christ's
sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was
flowing from Him in irrepressible streams.
All who are imbued with His spirit will love
as He loved. The very principle that ac-
tuated Christ will actuate them in all their
dealing one with another. This love is the
evidence of their discipleship."—The
Desire
of Ages,
pages 21, 437, 678 (1940 ed., pp.
677, 678).
The Tranquillity of Love
7.
What further characteristic of
love does Paul give in his analysis?
1 Cor. 13:5, third part.
NOTE.—"Is not, irritable or resentful."
(R.S.V.) "Never irritated, never resentful."
(Moffatt.) "Nor blaze out in passionate
anger." (Weymouth.) "Easily" does not
belong in the text and would open the way
for irritability under some circumstances
and would, therefore, constitute an excuse
( 30 ]
wwM
.
DAIVGERI
-CHOOSE WITH
CARE. EVIL
THOUGHTS
LURK HERE.
for provocation and anger. "Is not pro-
voked," is the American Standard Version,
and this is the meaning in practically all
translations.
Perhaps the influence of Christians is
destroyed more quickly and more often by
a show of temper than by any other means.
8.
What keeps the child of God
from being offended? Ps. 119:165.
9.
What example did Jesus set in
regard to conduct under provocation?
What was His only expectation of the
triumph of justice? Luke 23:34; 1 Pe-
ter 2:21-23.
NOTE.—"True courtesy is not learned by
the mere practice of rules of etiquette. . . .
The essence of true politeness is considera-
tion for others. . . . Real refinement of
thought and manner is better learned in the
school of the divine Teacher than by any
observance of set rules. His love pervading
the heart gives to the character those refining
touches that fashion it in the semblance of
His own. This education imparts a heaven-
born dignity and sense of propriety. It gives
a sweetness of disposition and a gentleness
of manner that can never be equaled by the
superficial polish of fashionable society."—
Education,
pages 240, 241.
A Lover of Justice
10.
In what does love find no oc-
casion for rejoicing? In what does
love rejoice? 1 Cor. 13:6.
NOTE.—"He whose heart is imbued with
love is filled with sorrow at the errors and
weaknesses of others; but when truth tri-
umphs, when the cloud that darkened the
fair fame of another is removed, or when
sins are confessed and wrongs corrected, he
rejoices."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 169.
11.
What warning is given against
seeking satisfaction in measuring our-
selves with others? How did the Phari-
see in the temple find pleasure and
credit? 2 Cor. 10:12; Luke 18:10, 11;
Matt. 7:1-5.
NOTE.—"Christ is the only true standard
of character, and he who sets himself up as
a standard for others, is putting himself in
the place of Christ. . . . The sin that leads to
the most unhappy results is the cold, critical,
unforgiving spirit that characterizes Phari-
saism. When the religious experience is de-
void of love, Jesus is not there. . .. No busy
activity or Christless zeal can supply the
lack. There may be a wonderful keenness of
perception to discover the defects of others,
but to everyone who indulges this spirit,
Jesus says, 'Thou hypocrite, first cast out the
beam out of thine own
eye.' "—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
page 181.
We are told that the spirit of Pharisa-
ism will produce "multitudinous exactions"
which "will lead its advocates to judge all
who come short of the prescribed human
standard" so that "the atmosphere of selfish
and narrow criticism stifles the noble and
generous emotions, and causes men to be-
come self-centered judges and petty spies."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pages
177, 178.
12.
What spirit should Christians
manifest even toward their enemies?
Of what two things would this be an
evidence? Matt. 5:43-48.
[ 31 ]
NoTE.-"If we keep uppermost in our
minds the unkind and unjust acts of others,
we shall find it impossible to love them as
Christ has loved us; but if our thoughts
dwell upon the wondrous love and pity
of Christ for us, the same spirit will flow
out to others. We should love and respect
one another, notwithstanding the faults and
imperfections that we cannot help seeing.
Humility and self-distrust should be culti-
vated, and a patient tenderness with the
faults of others. This will kill out all narrow-
ing selfishness, and make us largehearted
and generous."-Steps
to Christ,
page 126.
Lesson 10, for June 5, 1954
The Thoughts of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things
are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8.
STUDY HELPS:
"Thoughts From the Mounrof Blessing," pages 141-150; "Love,"
pages 73-86.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
4. Ques. 8-11.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 12-14.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1-3.
6. Read Study Helps assignment.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
7. Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Issues of Life
1.
Love thinketh no evil. 1 Cor. 13:5,
last part.
2.
Out of the heart are the issues of life.
Prov. 4:23 ;
23:7.
3.
Evil thoughts come from the heart.
Mark 7:20-23.
II. Evil Thinking
1.
In the days of Noah. Gen. 6:5-12.
2.
In the time of Lot. Gen. 18:20;
19:12, 13; 2 Peter 2:5-8; Luke
17:26-30.
3.
In apostolic times. Rom. 1:21-29.
4.
Transgression of the seventh com-
mandment.. Matt. 5:27, 28.
5.
To be shunned by God's children.
Eph. 5:3-8; Col. 3:1-10.
III. Love Supplants Evil Surmisings
1. Imaginations naturally evil. 1 Tim.
6:4, 5; Gen. 6:5; Rom. 1:21.
2.
God's understanding of the heart.
1 Chron. 28:9; Ps. 139:1-4.
3.
Love's attitude toward others' faults.
Prov. 10:12; 1 Peter 4:8; Ps.
32:1,
2.
IV. Love Does Not Borrow Trouble
1.
Be not anxious. Matt. 6:25-34.
2.
Forget past troubles. Phil. 3:13-15.
3.
The divine remedy for anxiety and
evil thoughts. Rom. 12:2; Phil.
2:5; 4:8.
Key Words and Phrases:
1.
Issues.
Literally, the "outgoings." The
heart is a fountain. The thoughts constitute
the source and fountain of character and
conduct. See James 3:11.
2.
Imaginations.
The word
imagina-
tion
has
image
as its chief component. The
faculty of imagination is exerted in the form-
ing of mental images.
Imaginary
is another
form of the word. Imagination may be use-
[ 32
ful, but we are warned against evil imagina-
tions.
3. Inordinate Affection.
Inordinate
means "not restricted or restrained by pre-
scribed rules or standards of morality." It is
that which is immoderate, excessive, or ir-
regular. "Inordinate affection" is translated
"sensual passion" by Weymouth. "Concupis-
cence," or "unholy desire" (Weymouth), is
illicit sexual lust. Every Christian should
earnestly pray the prayer of David: "Create
in me a clean heart, 0 God; and renew a
right spirit within me." Ps. 51:10.
4.
Evil Surmisings.
Surmise is akin to
suspicion and usually, has a negative conno-
tation. The Greek word is
huponoia,
mean-
ing "suspicion." Love is not suspicious. Love
sees the best and puts the best possible con-
struction on the motives of others.
5.
Take No Thought.
This phrase is
best understood by reference to the Greek
original, which is from
merimnao,
meaning
"overanxious." "Do not worry" would ex-
press the thought in modern terminology.
There is no place for worry in the thoughts
of a Christian.
THE LESSON
The Issues of Life
1.
In his analysis of love what else
does the apostle Paul say love does not
do? 1 Cor. 13:5, last part.
2.
Why should the thoughts be
carefully guarded? Prov. 4:23; 23:7,
first part.
NOTE.—"The heart is the citadel of the
man. From it are the issues of life or death.
Until the heart is purified, a person is unfit
to have any part in the fellowship of the
saints. . . . The mind that is not elevated to
the highest standard will in time lose its
power to retain that which it had once
gained."—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp. 536, 537.
3.
What things issue from an evil
heart? What effect do they have on
the life? Mark 7:20-23.
NOTE.—"Jesus explained that defilement
comes not from without, but from within.
Purity and impurity pertain to the soul. It
is the evil deed, the evil word, the evil
thought, the transgression of the law of God,
not the neglect of external, man-made cere-
monies, that defiles a
man."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 397.
Evil Thinking
4.
What terrible conditions brought
destruction upon the antediluvian
world? What is said of the character
of Noah? Gen. 6:5-12.
5.
What similar conditions pre-
vailed in the ancient cities of Sodom
and Gomorrah? How did this corrup-
tion affect Lot? Of what period were
these conditions typical? Gen. 18:20;
19:12, 13; 2 Peter 2:5-8; Luke 17:26-30.
NorE.—"For their lawless deeds were tor-
ture, day after day, to the pure soul of that
righteous man—all that he saw and heard
whilst living in their midst." 2 Peter 2:8,
Weymouth. So it is now. Of God's people
today it is said: "Their righteous souls are
vexed day by day with the unholy works
and conversation of the unrighteous. They
are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of
iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief
and
alarm."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 210.
" 'As it was in the days of Noah, so shall
it be also in the days of the Son of man.'
God will have a people zealous of good
works, standing firm amid the pollutions of
this degenerate age. There will be a people
who hold so fast to the divine strength that
they will be proof against every temptation."
—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 472.
[ 33 ]
CRITICISM WILL —
KILL LOVE IN
THE HEART.
6.
What conditions among the un-
godly are shown to be the real fruits
of idolatry? Rom. 1:21-29.
7.
How was the scope of the seventh
commandment magnified by Christ?
Matt. 5:27, 28.
8.
What timely counsel is given to
Christians? Eph. 5:3-8; Col. 3:1-10.
NOTE.—"The heart must be renewed by
divine grace, or it will be in vain to seek for
purity of life. He who attempts to build up
a noble, virtuous character independent of
the grace of Christ, is building his house
upon the shifting sand. In the fierce storms
of temptation it will surely be overthrown.
. . . This will require earnest prayer and
unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided
by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit,
which will attract the mind upward, and
habituate it to dwell on pure and holy
things."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 460.
Love Supplants Evil Surmisings
9.
With what other evils does Paul
class evil surmisings? How did evil
and vain imaginations become en-
trenched in the heart of antediluvian
man? 1 Tim. 6:4, 5; Gen. 6:5; Rom.
1:21.
NorE.—The evil mind commits sin in the
imagination by being suspicious of others
and surmising evil of them. Transgressors
instinctively impute evil, even to the inno-
cent. A large per cent of the vicious rumors
and gossip which assassinate reputations and
curse society, and even the church, grows out
of the evil imaginations of evil minds and
hearts.
10.
How much of the imaginations
does God understand? 1 Chron. 28:9;
Ps. 139:1-4.
11.
What is love's attitude toward
the sins of others? Prov. 10:12; 1 Pe-
ter 4:8; Ps. 32:1, 2.
NoTE.—Love does not condone sin, but
neither does it maliciously condemn the sin-
ner. "Love is unsuspecting, ever placing the
most favorable construction upon the mo-
tives and acts of others. Love will never
needlessly expose the faults of others. It does
not listen eagerly to unfavorable reports, but
rather seeks to bring to mind some good
qualities of the one defamed."
"Evilspeaking is a twofold curse, falling
more heavily upon the speaker than upon
the hearer. He who scatters the seeds of
dissension and strife reaps in his own soul
the deadly fruits. How miserable is the tale-
bearer, the surmiser of evil! He is a stranger
to true
happiness."—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp.
169, 176.
"So frail, so ignorant, so liable to miscon-
ception is human nature, that each should
be careful in the estimate he places upon
another."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page
483.
Love Does Not Borrow Trouble
12.
In the light of Christ's teaching,
what additional thought might rea-
sonably be included in the phrase,
"thinketh no evil"? What is to be
our attitude toward anticipated trou-
bles? Matt. 6:25-34.
[ 34 ]
NoTE.-"It is a misfortune to borrow the
trouble of next week to embitter the present
week. When real trouble comes, God will fit
every meek and lowly one to bear it. When
His providence permits it to come, He will
provide help to endure it. Fretting and mur-
muring cloud and stain the soul, and shut
out the bright sunlight from the pathway of
others."-Testimonies, vol.
2, p. 641.
13. What rule of life is given for
the perfect man? Phil. 3:13-15.
NoTE.-"Many, walking along the path
of life, dwell upon their mistakes and fail-
ures and disappointments, and their hearts
are filled with grief and discouragement.
. . . It is not wise to gather together all the
unpleasant recollections of a past life,-
its iniquities and disappointments,-to talk
over them and mourn over them until we
are overwhelmed with discouragement. . . .
So many borrowed troubles intrude, so
many fears are indulged, such a weight of
anxiety is expressed, that one might suppose
we had no pitying, loving Saviour, ready to
hear all our requests, and to be to us a pres-
ent help in every time of need.
"Some are always fearing, and borrowing
trouble. Every day they are surrounded with
the tokens of God's love; every day they are
enjoying the bounties of His providence;
but they overlook these present blessings.
... We should not allow the perplexities and
worries of everyday life to fret the mind and
cloud the brow. If we do, we shall always
have something to vex and annoy. .. . Cast
your care upon God, and remain calm and
cheerful."-Steps
to Christ,
pages 121-127.
14.
What is the remedy for anxiety
and all wrong thinking? Rom. 12:2;
Phil. 2:5; 4:8.
Lesson 11, for June 12, 1954
The Forbearance of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the
commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. 14:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 529-538; "Love," pages 89-101.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
line, survey entire lesson.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
4.
Ques. 8-10.
5.
Ques. 11-13.
6.
Read from Study Helps assignment.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Love's Forbearance
1.
Beareth all things. 1 Cor. 13:7, first
part.
2.
Christ's forbearance. Isa. 53:4-6;
1 Peter 2:21-23.
3.
Self-control of Jesus. Isa. 53:7;
Matt. 26:62, 63; 27:12-14; Luke
23:8, 9.
4.
Prayer for control of words. Ps.
19:14; 141:3.
II. Love's Confidence
1.
Believeth all things. 1 Cor. 13:7, sec-
ond part.
2.
Basis of confidence. Mark 11:22;
Heb. 11:1.
3.
Paul's expression of confidence. 2
Cor. 7:16; Gal. 5:10; Phil. 1:6.
[
35
]
III. Love's All-Embracing Hope
1.
Hopeth all things. 1 Cor. 13:7, third
part.
2.
Abraham's example. Rom. 4:18, 20,
21.
3.
Source of hope. Rom. 8:24, 25; 15:4.
IV. Love's Endurance
1.
Endureth all things. 1 Cor. 13:7,
last part.
2.
Purpose and result of trials. James
1:2-4; Matt. 24:13.
3.
Endurance of the remnant. Rev.
7:14; 14:12.
Key Words and Phrases:
I. "Beareth All Things."
The original
Greek word used here is a form of
stegd,
which means "to endure." Patient endurance
is to characterize God's remnant church.
2.
"Believeth All Things."
Pisteud,
translated "believe," means "to adhere, to
trust, to rely on." Love "is full of trust."
(Weymouth.) Love exercises confidence in
others.
3.
"Hopeth All Things."
Hope is a joy-
ous expectation. Hope surmounts all bar-
riers. Abraham hoped against hope. Rom.
4:18.
4.
"Endureth All Things."
The Greek
root
mend,
"to remain," is the basis of the
word
hupomend.
which means "to remain
under." Love does not run out from under
difficulties. It remains under the load and
patiently endures pain, distress, hardship, or
any prolonged stress without succumbing.
THE LESSON
Love's Forbearance
1.
What does the apostle say of the
patience and forbearance of genuine
love? 1 Cor. 13:7, first part.
NoTE.—"Love not only bears with others'
faults, but cheerfully submits to whatever
suffering or inconvenience such forbearance
makes
necessary."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p.
169.
2.
What example did Jesus set in
forbearance under ill-treatment and
persecution?
In
the light of His pa-
tient endurance, what are we ad-
monished to do? Isa. 53:4-6; 1 Peter
2:21-23.
3.
How did Jesus demonstrate His
ability to keep silent during injustice
and affliction? Isa. 53:7; Matt. 26:62,
63; 27:12-14; Luke 23:8, 9.
NOTE.—"There is wonderful power in si-
lence. Words spoken in reply to one who is
angry sometimes serve only to exasperate.
But anger met with silence, in a tender, for-
bearing spirit, quickly dies away. Under a
storm of stinging, faultfinding words, keep
the mind stayed upon the word of God. Let
mind and heart be stored with God's prom-
ises. If you are ill-treated or wrongfully
accused, instead of returning an angry an-
swer, repeat to yourself the precious prom-
ises."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 486.
4.
What prayer should every Chris-
tian offer daily? Ps. 19:14; 141:3.
NOTE.—"Talk less; much precious time is
lost in talk that brings no
light."—Testimo-
nies to Ministers,
page 499.
"We must pray more, and talk less.
Iniquity abounds, and the people must be
taught not to be satisfied with a form of
godliness without the 'spirit and power."
—Ellen G. White, in
Review and Herald,
March 22, 1887.
Love's Confidence
5.
How does the apostle describe
the trust and confidence of love? 1 Cor.
13:7, second part.
Nom—Commenting on this text, John
Calvin wisely said: "Not that the Christian
L 36 ]
TEST YOUR
PATIENCE. DO
YOU SWEAR WITH
YOUR HORN?
knowingly and willingly allows himself to be
imposed upon—not that he divests himself
of prudence and judgment, that he may be
the more easily taken advantage of. ... The
consequence will be, that a Christian man
will reckon it better to be imposed upon by
his own kindness and easy temper, than to
wrong his brother by an unfriendly suspi-
cion."—Calvin's
Commentaries,
Corinthians,
vol. 1, p. 425.
6.
Upon what does faith and confi-
dence in others have its true basis?
How is faith and confidence in God
and His word defined? Mark 11:22;
Heb. 11:1.
NoTE.—"Now faith is a well-grounded as-
surance of that for which we hope, and a
conviction of the reality of things which we
do not see." (Weymouth.)
7.
What attitude did Paul have
toward the believers? What was his
assurance? 2 Cor. 7:16; Gal. 5:10;
Phil. 1:6.
NoTE.—"I rejoice that I have absolute
confidence in you." (Weymouth.) Nothing
does more to help us to believe in people
and have confidence in them than a genuine
conversion producing a deep spiritual experi-
ence that is evident to all. This is what
brought the perfect love and unity to the
disciples in the upper room, resulting in the
early rain of the Spirit. When God's rem-
nant people are again surcharged with God's
love and filled with His Spirit, the love and
unity will return and the latter rain will fall
with its glorious results.
Love's All-Embracing Hope
8.
What other beautiful character.
istic does love possess? 1 Cor. 13:7,
third part.
NoTE.—Love is "full of hope." (Wey-
mouth.) When there is no room left for
belief, then love still hopes for the best; that
things will come out right in the end. It
hopes for repentance and conversion even
when all grounds for belief have dis-
appeared. Even in the worst of offenders
and the most hopeless cases, love still clings
to the possibility that good will eventually
come out of the evil and that what happened
will work together for the benefit of those
concerned. Love still hopes when those with-
out love have abandoned all hope and seem
as hopeless as if they were dead and in their
graves.
9.
What is said of the hope and
faith of Abraham when the fulfillment
of God's promise for a son seemed
hopeless? Rom. 4:18, 20, 21.
NoTE.—"Under utterly hopeless circum-
stances he hopefully believed, so that he
might become the forefather of many na-
tions, in agreement with the words, 'Equally
numerous shall your posterity be.' (Gen.
xv.5)." Romans 4:18, Weymouth (pocket
edition).
"Hope and courage are essential to perfect
service for God. These are the fruit of faith.
Despondency is sinful and unreasonable."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 164.
"Be strong, and talk hope. Press your way
through obstacles. You are in spiritual wed-
lock with Jesus Christ. The word is your
assurance. Approach your Saviour with the
full confidence of living faith, joining your
[ 37 ]
hands with
His."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 462.
"Amidst the deepening shadows of earth's
last great crisis, God's light will shine bright-
est, and the song of hope and trust will be
heard in clearest and loftiest strains."—Edu-
cation,
page 166.
10.
How important is hope in the
plan of redemption? With what only
does hope have to do? What is the
unfailing source of hope? Rom. 8:24,
25; 15:4.
Love's Endurance
11.
With what quality of love does
the apostle Paul close his analysis?
1 Cor. 13:7, last part.
NOTE.—Love is "full of patient endur-
ance."• (Weymouth.)
"The trials of life are God's workmen, to
remove the impurities and roughness from
our character. Their hewing, squaring, and
chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is
a painful process, it is hard to be pressed
down to the grinding wheel. But the stone
is brought forth prepared to fill its place in
the heavenly temple. Upon no useless ma-
terial does the Master bestow such careful,
thorough work. Only His precious stones
are polished after the similitude of a palace."
—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pages 23, 24.
12.
What do the trials of life pro-
duce in God's people? What is the
final result of patience? Who only
will be saved when Christ returns?
James 1:2-4; Matt. 24:13.
NOTE.—"Through conflict the spiritual
life is strengthened. Trials well borne will
develop steadfastness of character, and pre-
cious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of
faith, meekness, and love often matures best
amid storm clouds and darkness."—Christ's
Object Lesson,
p. 61 (new ed., p. 58).
13.
Through what experience will
God's remnant people pass and with
what result? What will therefore be
an outstanding characteristic of those
who are translated? Rev. 7:14; 14:12,
first part.
NOTE.—"Here
is a
call for the endurance
of the saints," is the Revised Standard Ver-
sion. For "patience" the American Standard
Version in the marginal reading used the
word "steadfastness." This has been a char-
acteristic of saints in all ages. Ours is an
irritable and impatient generation, but out
of it will be gathered the most calm, serene,
and patient saints of all history.
"God permits trials to assail His people,
that by their constancy and obedience they
themselves may be spiritually enriched,
and that their example may be a source of
strength to others.... God has always tried
His people in the furnace of affliction. It is
in the heat of the furnace that the dross is
separated from the true gold of the Christian
character. God watches the test; He knoWs
what is needed to purify the precious metal,
that it may reflect the radiance of His
love. It is by close, testing trials that God
disciplines His
servants."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 129.
FOREIGN-LANGUAGE SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLIES
The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in
the following foreign languages: Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian,
German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovakian,
Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the Inter-
national Branch of the Pacific Press at Brookfield, Illinois, for any
of these quarterlies for the strangers within your gates.
[ 38 ]
Lesson 12, for June 19, 1954
The Growth of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all
things, which is the head, even Christ." Eph. 4:15.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," pages 71-80; "Love," pages 111-122.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
4. Ques. 8-10.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 11-13.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1-3.
6. Read Study Helps assignment.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
7. Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Spiritual Development
1.
Growth in spiritual experience. 1
Cor. 13:8-11.
2.
Examples of spiritual development.
1 Sam. 2:26; Luke 1:63, 80; 2:
40, 52.
3.
Thanksgiving for growth of faith
and love. 2 Thess. 1:3.
II. Wheie Spiritual Life Begins
1.
Ye must be born again. John 3:1-7.
2.
Babes in Christ. 1 Cor. 3:1-3; Heb.
5:12-14.
3.
Nourished by the word. 1 Peter
1:23; 2:1, 2.
4.
Childlike simplicity. Matt. 18:2-4.
III. Attaining Spiritual Maturity
1.
Growth in grace. 2 Peter 3:18.
2.
Spiritual growth illustrated. Ps.
92:12 ; Eph. 2:5, 10, 20-22.
3.
Ultimate goal of spiritual develop-
ment. Eph. 4:11-15.
IV. Our Completeness
1.
More abundant life. John 10:10.
2.
Prayer for perfect completeness.
Col. 4:12.
3.
Complete in Him. Col. 2:6, 7, 9, 10.
Key Words and Phrases:
1.
Grow.
The Greek word translated
"grow" is
auxano
and means "to grow up."
Christians should become mature in spiritual
life.
2.
Abound.
The Greek word is
perisseuo,
meaning "to be over and above." Our Eng-
lish word "abound" is from the Latin
unda,
"wave," hence to rise in waves.
Abundance
is an overflowing fullness.
3.• Mature,
from the Latin, meaning
"ripe, fully developed."
THE LESSON
Spiritual Development
1. How does the apostle Paul illus-
trate the growth of love in spiritual
development from its beginning to
full maturity? 1 Cor. 13:8-11.
NOTE.-Here as elsewhere in the Scrip-
tures the spiritual is illustrated by the physi-
cal. Love and spiritual life begin with birth
and develop through childhood and youth
to mature manhood. A normal Christian
experience demands continuous growth and
progress through life:
(39]
2.
What examples of spiritual de-
velopment from childhood are men-
tioned in the Scriptures? 1 Sam. 2:26;
Luke 1:63, 80; 2:40, 52.
NOTE.—" 'The child Samuel grew on, and
was in favor both with the Lord, and also
with men.' Though Samuel's youth was
passed at the tabernacle devoted to the wor-
ship of God, he was not free from evil in-
fluences or sinful example. The sons of Eli
feared not God, nor honored their father;
but Samuel did not seek their company nor
follow their evil ways. It was his constant
endeavor to become what God would have
him. This is the privilege of every youth.
God is pleased when even little children give
themselves to His
service."—Patriarchs and
Prophets
, page 573.
"The hildhood and youth of Jesus were
spent in a little mountain village. There was
no place on earth that would not have been
honored by His presence. The palaces of
kings would have been privileged in receiv-
ing Him as a guest. But He passed by the
homes of wealth, the courts of royalty, and
the renowned seats of learning, to make His
home in obscure and despised Nazareth.
"Wonderful in its significance is the brief
record of His early life: 'The child grew, and
waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom:
and the grace of God was upon Him.' In
the sunlight of His Father's countenance,
Jesus 'increased in wisdom and stature, and
in favor with God and man.' Luke 2:52.
His mind was active and penetrating, with
a thoughtfulness and wisdom beyond His
years. Yet His character was beautiful in
its symmetry. The powers of mind and
body developed gradually, in keeping with
the laws of childhood."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 68.
3.
What was Paul constrained to
do as he witnessed the growth of
the Thessalonians in faith and love?
2 Thess. 1:3.
Where Spiritual Life Begins
4.
In His night interview with
Nicodemus what did Jesus say was ab-
solutely necessary to salvation? How
did He distinguish between the first
and the second birth? Through what
agency is the new birth accomplished?
John 3:1-7.
NoTE.—"You must receive a new life
from above before you can appreciate heav-
enly things. . . . The fountain of the heart
must be purified before the streams can be-
come pure. He who is trying to reach heaven
by his own works in keeping the law is at-
tempting an impossibility. There is no safety
for one who has merely a legal religion, a
form of godliness. The Christian's life is not
a modification or improvement of the old,
but a transformation of nature. There is a
death to self and sin, and a new life al-
together. This change can be brought about
only by the effectual working of the Holy
Spirit."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 171, 172.
5.
What did the apostle Paul call
the young Corinthian believers?
Therefore with what kind of spiritual
food must they be fed? What evidence
of their immaturity did he give, and
what would be an evidence of spiritual
maturity? 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Heb.
5:12-14.
NOTE.—"Many of the Corinthian believ-
ers had been slow to learn the lessons that
he was endeavoring to teach them. Their
advancement in spiritual knowledge had not
been proportionate to their privileges and
opportunities. When they should have been
far advanced in Christian experience, and
able to comprehend and to practice the
deeper truths of the word, they were stand-
ing where the disciples stood when Christ
said to them, 'I have yet many things to say
unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.'
Jealousy, evil surmising, and accusation had
closed the hearts of many of the Corinthian
believers against the full working of the
Holy Spirit, which `searcheth all things, yea,
the deep things of God.' However wise they
might be in worldly knowledge, they were
but babes in the knowledge of Christ."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 271.
[ 40 ]
GOD
LONGS
TO SEE HIS
CHILDREN CROW
SPIRITUALLY.
6.
What agency does the Holy
Spirit use in producing the new birth?
What change does this bring in the
life? What is the secret of rapid
growth? 1 Peter 1:23; 2:1, 2.
7.
What childlike attitude is essen-
tial to salvation? Matt. 18:2-4.
NcrrE.—"It was not enough for the disci-
ples of Jesus to be instructed as to the nature
of His kingdom. What they needed was a
change of heart that would bring them into
harmony with its principles. Calling a little
child to Him, Jesus set him in the midst of
them; then tenderly folding the little one in
His arms He said, 'Except ye be converted,
and become as little children,. ye shall not
enter into the kingdom of heaven.' The
simplicity, the self-forgetfulness, and the
confiding love of a little child are the attri-
butes that Heaven values. These are the
characteristics of real greatness."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 437.
Attaining Spiritual Maturity
8.
How is Christian growth re-
ferred to by Peter? 2' Peter 3:18.
NorE.—"Peter exhorts his brethren to
`grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.' When the
people of God are growing in grace, they
will be constantly obtaining a clearer under-
standing of His word. They will discern new
light and beauty in its sacred truths. This
has been true in the history of the church in
all ages, and thus it will continue to the end.
`The path of the righteous is as the light of
dawn, that shineth more and more unto the
perfect
day.'"—Steps to Christ,
page 118.
9.
What figures illustrate spiritual
growth? Ps. 92:12; Eph. 2:5, 10, 20-22.
10.
What is the ultimate goal of
spiritual development? Eph. 4:11-15.
NorE.—"The apostle's desire for those to
whom he addressed his letters of counsel and
admonition, was that they should 'be no
more children, tossed to and fro, and car-
ried about with every wind of doctrine;' but
that they should all come into 'the unity of
the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the meas-
ure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.'
He entreated those who were followers of
Jesus in heathen communities not to walk
`as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their
mind, having the understanding darkened,
being alienated from the life of God.' ... He
encouraged the believers to look forward to
the time when Christ, who 'loved the church,
and gave Himself for it,' would 'present it to
Himself a glorious church, not having spot,
or wrinkle, or any such thing'—a church
`holy and without blemish.'
"—The Acts of
the Apostles,
page 470.
Our Completeness
11.
What does Jesus provide for
His followers? jOhn 10:10.
12.
What was the burden of the
prayers and labors of Epaphras? Col.
4:12.
[ 41 ]
13. In what experience and in
whom is our completeness? Col. 2:6,
7, 9, 10.
NOTE.
-"The
change of heart by which
we become children of God is in the Bible
spoken of as birth. Again, it is compared to
the germination of the good seed sown by
the husbandman. In like manner those who
are just converted to Christ are, as 'new-
born babes,' to 'grow up' to the stature of
men and women in Christ Jesus. Or like the
good seed sown in the field, they are to grow
up and bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that
they shall `be called trees of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that He might be
glorified.' So from natural life, illustrations
are drawn, to help us better to understand
the mysterious truths of spiritual life."-
Steps to Christ,
page 71.
Lesson 13, for June 26, 1954
The Permanence and Pre-eminence of Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"Now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of
these is love." 1 Cor. 13:13, Revised Version.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 677-680; "Love," pages 123-128.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: Following out-
4. Ques. 7-9.
line, survey entire lesson.
5. Ques. 10-12.
2.
Key Words; Ques. 1-3.
6. Read Study Helps assignment.
3.
Ques. 4-6.
7. Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Love Contrasted With Spiritual Gifts
1.
Love never fails. 1 Cor. 13:8, first
part.
2.
Prophecy, tongues, and knowledge
.
transitory. 1 Cor. 13:8, last part.
3.
Prophecy and changed conditions.
Jonah 3:4-10; Jer. 17:25.
4.
Partial knowledge. 1 Cor. 13:9.
5.
Knowledge versus love. 1 Cor. 8:1-3.
II. Secrets of Abiding Love
1.
Example and test of love. John
15:9, 10.
2.
Love perfected. 1 John 2:5, 6;
4:12, 16.
3.
Comprehension of the all-embracing
love of Christ. Eph. 3:17-19.
III. The Crowning Virtue
1. Abiding virtues. 1 Cor. 13:13, first
part.
2.
Greatness of faith. Heb. 10:38, 39;
11:1, 6.
3.
Importance of hope. Rom. 8:24, 25.
4.
Love the crowning virtue. 1 Cor.
13:13, last part.
Key Words:
1.
Fail.
Two Greek words are used in
1 Corinthians 13:8 for "fail." The first, in
reference to love's never failing, is from
ekpipto,
"to fall away." The second, refer-
ring to prophecy's failing, is from
katarged,
"to make useless." Love never deserts.
Prophecies may be made useless.
2.
Vanish
is from the Latin
evanescere,
from which we get "evanescent, fleeting,"
and is from the root
vanus,
"empty." Hu-
man knowledge is evanescent and will pass
away.
3.
Abideth.
An Anglo-Saxon
word
meaning "to bide or dwell." The Greek of
the original is
mend,
"to remain." Love
dwells and remains when all else is gone.
[ 42 ]
THE LESSON
Love Contrasted
With Spiritual Gifts
1.
What does the apostle say of the
enduring nature and dependability of
love? 1 Cor. 13:8, first part.
NoTE.—"Love never fails." (Weymouth.)
"Love never disappears." (Moffatt.) "Love
never ends." (R.S.V.) "Love falleth never
away." (Tyndall.) Love is permanent and
survives everything else. It abides through
time and eternity. Mere human love often
fails and disappears, as is demonstrated in
the divorce courts. But the love which is
the fruit of the Spirit never fails because it
bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things.
Among its many virtues is its permanence.
"This love 'never faileth.' It can never lose
its value; it is the attribute of heaven. As
a precious treasure it will be carried by its
possessor through the portals of the City of
God."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 169.
2.
How does Paul contrast the per-
manence of love with the temporary
function of spiritual gifts? 1 Cor. 13:8.
NoTE.—These gifts of the Spirit will cease
when they have fulfilled their mission in
connection with the gospel. They do not
"fail" in their divinely appointed mission,
but are no longer needed when they serve
their purpose. But love is an eternal prin-
ciple which will continue throughout all
eternity.
3.
Cite prophecies that were not
fulfilled because of changed condi-
tions. Jonah 3:4-10; Jer. 17:25.
4.
What did Paul mean by the
knowledge that "shall vanish away"?
1 Cor. 13:9.
NoTE.—Imperfect knowledge of truth will
end because it will be superseded by full,
mature, and perfect knowledge when we
reach the perfect state. This is indicated by
the various translations: "For our knowl-
edge is imperfect and our prophecy is im-
perfect; but when the perfect comes, the
imperfect will pass away" (R.S.V.) or, "will
be superseded" (Moffatt). "For our knowl-
edge is imperfect, and so is our prophesy-
ing; but when the perfect state of things is
come, all that is imperfect will be brought to
an end." (Weymouth.)
Even the accumulated knowledge of all
ages is only partial. We know but little on
any subject. Edison declared that we do
not know a hundredth part of 1 per cent of
anything.
5.
How may knowledge become
even dangerous without the control-
ling power of love? What is the surest
evidence of ignorance? 1 Cor. 8:1-3.
NOTE.—" 'Knowledge' puffs up, but love
builds us." (R.S.V.) "Knowledge, however,
tends to make people conceited; it is love
that builds us up. If anyone imagines that
he already possesses any true knowledge, he
has as yet attained to no knowledge of the
kind to which he ought to have attained;
but if anyone loves God, that man is known
by God." (Weymouth.) "The time demands
greater efficiency and deeper consecration."
—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 27. The greater the
training, knowledge, and efficiency, the more
essential is a deepening love and spiritual ex-
perience in order to use them aright. Mis-
used and uncontrolled knowledge is even
dangerous.
Secrets of Abiding Love
6.
By following what two examples
of affection can our love be made per-
manent? What is one of the secrets of
abiding love? John 15:9, 10.
NOTE.—"When men are bound together,
not by force or self-interest, but by love,
they show the working of an influence that
is above every human influence. . . . With
[ 43
the golden chain of His matchless love Christ
has bound them to the throne of God. It
is His purpose that the highest influence in
the universe, emanating from the source
of all power, shall be theirs. They are to
have power to resist evil, power that neither
earth, nor death, nor hell can master, power
that will enable them to overcome as Christ
overcame."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 678-
680.
7.
In whom is the love of God per-
fected? What does this prove? How
will such persons walk or live? 1 John
2:5, 6; 4:12, 16.
8.
What is said of the experience in
love of those in whose hearts Christ
dwells? What does this enable them
to comprehend? With what are they
therefore filled? Eph. 3:17-19.
The Crowning Virtue
9.
What abiding virtues does Paul
mention? 1 Cor. 13:13, first part.
NOTE.—These three permanent virtues are
"treasure in the heavens that faileth not."
Luke 12:33. They pertain to what we are,
rather than what we do and say; to charac-
ter, rather than conduct.
"A character formed according to the di-
vine likeness is the only treasure that we
can take from this world to the next. Those
who are under the instruction of Christ in
this world will take every divine attainment
with them to the heavenly mansions."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 332 (new ed., p.
335).
10.
What is the basis of all true
Christian experience? How is it de-
fined? Heb. 10:38, 39; 11:1, 6.
NOTE.—"Faith is the living power that
presses through every barrier, overrides all
obstacles, and plants its banner in the heart
of the enemy's
camp."—Testimonies,
vol. 4,
p. 163.
"Saving faith is a transaction by which
those who receive Christ join themselves in
covenant relation with God. Genuine faith
is life. A living faith means an increase of
vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul
becomes a conquering power."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 347.
"Faith looks beyond the difficulties, and
lays hold of the unseen, even Omnipotence,
therefore it cannot be baffled. Faith is the
clasping of the hand of. Christ in every
emergency."—Gospel
Workers,
page 262.
"We may achieve victories which our own
erroneous and misconceived opinions, our
own defects of character, our own smallness
of faith, have made to seem impossible.
Faith ! we scarcely know what it
is."—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
page 187.
11.
How important is hope in the
plan of redemption? To what other
virtue is it related? Rom. 8:24, 25.
Nom—Faith and hope are vitally im-
portant. They are both great, but love is
still greater because it is the root and source
of the other two. Faith and hope are means
to an end, but love is the end itself. Love is
more unselfish, for faith and hope chiefly
benefit ourselves, while love flows out to
others. The Bible does not say, "God is
faith," or, "God is hope," but it does say,
[ 44 ]
"God is love." Therefore how important it
is that all men everywhere "covet earnestly"
the "more excellent way" of love, the way of
life that transcends all others. This is the
more abundant life which is found only in
Him who is "the way, the truth, and the
life," who is love personified and incarnate.
12. What is the crowning virtue?
1 Cor. 13:13, last part.
NOTE.—"The strongest and noblest char-
acters are built on the foundation of pa-
tience, love, and submission to God's will.
. . . This love 'never faileth.' It can never
lose its value; it is a heavenly attribute. As a
precious treasure, it will be carried by its
possessor through the portals of the City of
God. 'And now abideth faith, hope, charity;
these three; but the greatest of these is char-
ity.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 319.
SPECIAL NOTICE
The
Teacher's Edition
of the Senior
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
is now available. Because of the many requests received from Sabbath-
school members everywhere, it is once more making its appearance. The
first-quarter issue of 1954 was the first edition printed.
For the convenience of Sabbath-school teachers, officers, and other
members one full blank page is provided for every page of lesson copy.
Thus ample space is given so that the answers to questions and additional
notes may be written.
PRICES
Yearly subscription (in either singles or clubs)
Each, $ .75
Standing orders (in club subscription only)
Each, $ .25
Single copy
Each, $ .25
Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, Calif.
[45
1
For Every
Sabbath-
School Teacher
and Class Member
THREE LIONS
@
A major source for the notes and study helps in our Sabbath-
school lessons from quarter to quarter is the spirit of
.
prophecy.
Some of these indispensable volumes which should be in every
Sabbath-school member's library for easy reference are:
The CONFLICT of the AGES Series
PATRIARCHS and PROPHETS
PROPHETS and KINGS
The DESIRE of AGES
The ACTS of the APOSTLES
The GREAT CONTROVERSY
TESTIMONIES for the CHURCH
TESTIMONY TREASURES
CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS
EARLY WRITINGS
EDUCATION
EVANGELISM
GOSPEL WORKERS
INDEX to the WRITINGS of
ELLEN G. WHITE
MESSAGES to YOUNG PEOPLE
The MINISTRY of HEALING
STEPS to CHRIST
THOUGHTS From the MOUNT
of BLESSING
[ 46 ]
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
June 26, 1954
From the lands of the hummingbird, the sugar cane, coconut groves,
banana plantations, tropical forests, exotic flowers, golden beaches, vol-
canoes, chasms, and snow-capped mountain ranges—even from the
lands of Inter-America--come our mission appeals this quarter. In
these lands where the advent message is going rapidly, new facilities are
needed for keeping pace with the onward march of the message.
This quarter the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow will help to
provide increased facilities for the Colombia-Venezuela Training School
and the Caribbean Training College, as well as help to expand our
medical work in Central America. May we keep in mind the needs
of our young people and the needs of the sick and afflicted as we plan
for our Thirteenth Sabbath Offering on June 26.
LESSONS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1954
Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the third quarter of 1954 will be helped by the.following outline in studying
the first lesson. They will thus be able to follow the daily study of the lesson.
The general topic of the lessons is "Studies in Doctrine." The title of the
lesson for July 3 is "Sound Doctrine." The memory verse is Titus 2:1. The texts
to be studied are:
Ques.
Ques.
6
Ques.
1
QUes.
Ques.
Ques.
Ques.
1.
2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13 ; 4:1-4.
2.
Jer. 10:8 ; 1 Tim. 1:4, 9, 10;
:3-5.
3.
1 Tim. 4:6, 13, 16 ; Titus
:9; 2:1, 7, 10.
4.
Isa. 28:9, 10; 2 Tim. 2:15.
5.
John 7:17.
6.
Rom. 16:17.
7.
2 Tim. 3:15, 16.
Ques. 8. 2 Peter 3:16 ; Matt. 4:6.
Ques. 9. 1 John 2:22, 23; 2 John
7, 9.
Ques. 10. Isa. 8:20.
Ques. 11.2 Tim. 4:3 ; Acts 5:28;
Jer. 6:16 ; Ezek. 33:31.
Ques. 12.2 Thess. 2:3-7.
Ques. 13. Rom. 6:17.
Ques. 14. Acts 2:42 ; 1 Tim. 4:16.
[47
]
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